During Monday’s installment of NBA Today on ESPN, insider Marc Spears gave his thoughts on the play of the Hawks forward. He confidently stated that Johnson has been the best player in the East this season. “The MVP of the Eastern Conference right now,” Spears said of Johnson.

Off a strong night in the post with Jalen Duren scoring a team-high 21 points and the Pistons (17-4) out-rebounding the Hawks 60-34, Detroit came away with the 99-98 win Monday night at Little Caesars Arena.

Cade Cunningham scored eight of his 18 points in the final 3:21, and the Detroit Pistons rallied to beat the Atlanta Hawks 99-98 on Monday night. Atlanta had a chance to win with 0.1 seconds left, but Jalen Johnson couldn’t convert a tip-in as time expired.

Atlanta Hawks look like they don't need Trae Young originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Atlanta Hawks were already going to have to make a decision on Trae Young.

Atlanta put up a valiant effort on the second night of back-to-back games, with Jalen Johnson finishing the night with 29 points and Nickeil Alexander-Walker scoring 26.

Los Angeles will attempt to stop its three-game road skid when the Clippers visit Atlanta. Wednesday's meeting will be the second of the season between the two teams.

Preview the Philadelphia 76ers' NBA matchup with the Wizards, including betting odds, tips, trends, and game information.