The Brooklyn Nets will try to sweep the season series as they take on the Atlanta Hawks in Georgia on Saturday night. It's time to continue our NBA odds series with a Nets-Hawks prediction and pick.
The Nets lost 120-119 in overtime to the Milwaukee Bucks in a Thursday night game with an exciting finish. The Nets led for much of the first three quarters and even had a lead late. Then, Giannis Antetokounmpo hit a game-tying 3-pointer to send the game into overtime. With that shot, he became the all-time leader in scoring for the Bucks. In the extra period, Antetounmo struck again, converting on two free throws in the final seconds to stun the Nets. Despite the loss, Kevin Durant performed well, scoring 26 points with 11 assists. He also had seven rebounds but ultimately could not hit the game-winning shot after the go-ahead free throws. The Nets are in eighth place in the Eastern Conference and have lost three of its last five games.
The Hawks demolished the Cleveland Cavaliers 131-107 on Thursday night. Trae Young excelled with 30 points, including four 3-pointers. Also, Young had nine assists to add to the tally. Straightaway, the Hawks dominated this game as they held a double-digit lead in the first quarter after a 3-pointer from Bogdan Bogdanovic. Therefore, the Hawks eased their way to victory. Therefore, Atlanta has won four in a row and officially clinched a spot in the play-in tournament.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Nets-Hawks odds:
NBA Odds: Nets-Hawks Odds
Nets: -2 (-112)
Hawks: +2 (-108)
Over: 242 (-110)
Under: 242 (-110)
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Why The Nets Could Cover The Spread
Kyrie Irving will play. Significantly, he did not play in the first two games against Atlanta due to the vaccine mandates. Now, he is eligible to play and will be the key to success. When Irving has a great game, the Nets usually win. However, when he struggles as he did early in his game against the Charlotte Hornets, the team falters. Hence, it all starts with hitting shots.
The Nets collectively rank fourth in field goal percentage and sixth in free-throw percentage. When they win these battles, they usually win. It is on days they lose this fight that they stumble. Moreover, defending the best player is always difficult. In this case, the Nets must stop Young. In the last game between the teams, Young scored 31 points but struggled from the field, shooting 10 for 27. Additionally, Young went 2-8 from beyond the arc.
The Nets will cover the spread if they can convert their field goals, hit their free throws, and force Young into a bad game. It all starts with precision and good defense. The Nets will sweep the season series if Durant and Irving can dominate.
Why The Hawks Will Cover The Spread
Atlanta is heating up. Last season, the Hawks rode a hot streak to the Eastern Conference Finals. This season, Atlanta is attempting to do it again. The Hawks are the best 3-point shooting team in the NBA, ranking first. Atlanta converts its free throws as the Hawks rank third. However, the other thing the Hawks are great at is not turning the ball over. Atlanta ranks first in that category.
In its previous game against the Nets, the Hawks only hit 32 percent of their 3-point shots, below their season average. Atlanta only converted 83 percent of its free throws in that game. They struggled to do well in two categories they usually excel at. Now, the Hawks have to stop Irving too, which will be no easy task.
The Hawks will cover the spread if they can hit their shots from beyond the arc, convert their free throws and stop Irving. Atlanta will need to find open space and create plays that give them room to shoot. Free throws will play a role, especially at home. Lastly, the Hawks have to force Irving to take terrible shots. Whether it's Young or another player guarding him, the Hawks need to contain Irving and not let him settle into the game.
Final Nets-Hawks Prediction & Pick
This game should come down to the wire. The Nets are slumping, and the Hawks are heating up. Ironically, this could be a preview of the play-in as there is a chance both teams will meet again in just over a week. The spread is slim. Irving gives the Nets the extra boost they need to barely squeak out a victory. The game will go the distance with Brooklyn pulling it off at the end and barely covering the spread.
Final Nets-Hawks Prediction & Pick: Nets -2 (-112)
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