The Atlanta Hawks are beginning a four-game home stand on Sunday as they take on Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. With that said, it’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Warriors-Hawks prediction and pick.
The Warriors are coming off their most embarrassing loss of the season to the Toronto Raptors after succumbing by 53 points. This Golden State team has been terrible as of late, winning only three of their last 10 games for a record of 23-26 and 10th in the Western Conference.
Meanwhile, the Hawks are coming off a 23-point win against the New Orleans Pelicans to end their eight-game road trip where they finished 4-4. Nate McMillan's squad is now sitting in the fifth seed with a record of 25-24.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Warriors-Hawks odds.
NBA Odds: Warriors-Hawks Odds
Golden State Warriors +2 (-107)
Atlanta Hawks -2 (-113)
Over 230 Points (-110)
Under 230 Points(-110)
Why The Warriors Could Cover The Spread
The Warriors' matchup against the Raptors on Friday was a prime example of the impact that Stephen Curry has on this team. So far this season, Curry has averaged 29.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game while shooting above 40 percent from the field.
Curry's impact also goes way beyond his stats. As an offensive threat, his presence alone helps to space the floor for his teammates. Moreover, he is that late-game closer for the Warriors and can get a bucket when the team needs it in the fourth.
Fortunately, the Dubs will be facing the Hawks with Curry on Sunday.
This will take a lot of pressure off of Andrew Wiggins and Kelly Oubre Jr. to run the offense for the team. The two have been solid for Golden State, providing the team double-digit scoring on a nightly basis.
Since Draymond Green could still be out for the team for this matchup, Wiggins and Oubre will need to take advantage of having Curry on the offensive floor and also help anchor the defense against the number of talented wings for Nate McMillan's squad.
Golden State has two keys to cover the spread. The first one is a big offensive game from Curry along with contributions from both Wiggins and Oubre. The second key will be to disrupt the Hawks' offense that is ranked the ninth-best in the league and, most importantly, prevent Trae Young to have a shooting performance.
Why The Hawks Could Cover The Spread
McMillan has had to change up his rotation as the team has been dealing will some injuries. However, it looks like Young and Danilo Gallinari will suit up in the contest.
The Hawks' offense continues to improve as they now hold the ninth-best offensive rating in the league. The team, of course, is being led by Young with 25.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 9.6 assists while shooting 43.3 percent from the field.
This Atlanta team also has a number of talented active players surrounding Young like Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kevin Huerter, Gallinari, Clint Capela, and their recent addition in Lou Williams.
All these players are currently averaging double-digit points for the Hawks, which shows how balanced offensively the team is. One matchup that McMillan will need to take advantage of is the center showdown between the more experienced Capela and the rookie Wiseman.
The Warriors hold the ninth-best defensive rating in the league, but with the recent addition of Sweet Lou and the return of Young and Gallinari, the Hawks shouldn't have a big problem scoring the ball. The main concern for this Atlanta team to cover the spread is to slow down and contain the most valuable player for the Warriors in Curry.
Final Warriors-Hawks Prediction & Pick
The Hawks have won two straight games coming into this matchup with the Warriors without their leading scorer in Young and some key players in the rotation. With that said, the depth of this Atlanta team for McMillan is incredible.
Considering that, the Warriors will have a tough time defensively trying to slow down the Hawks and the trio of Young, Sweet Lou and Bogdanovic, who are capable of having a big game. Barring a huge offensive showing from Curry, Atlanta should win their third consecutive game as the Warriors lose their third straight on Sunday.
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION & PICK FOR WARRIORS-HAWKS: GSW 114, ATL 120 (ATL -2)
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