The Atlanta Hawks will host the Washington Wizards at State Farm Arena on Monday night. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Wizards-Hawks prediction and pick.

Washington is rapidly climbing the Eastern Conference standings, sitting just one game back of the Charlotte Hornets for the crucial No. 8 seed. The 7-8 play-in matchup is a win-and-in game, which is a much more ideal situation to be in. Atlanta currently sits in the fifth spot and has a chance to pass the New York Knicks with a win.

Here’s how sportsbooks have set the Wizards-Hawks odds.

NBA Odds: Wizards-Hawks Odds

Washington Wizards +7.5 (-110)

Atlanta Hawks -7.5 (-110)

Over 236.5 Points (-110)

Under 236.5 Points (-110)

Why The Wizards Could Cover The Spread

The Wizards are coming off yet another great week after winning two straight games in overtime. They've nearly secured their spot in the play-in tournament and are now looking to climb into the 7-8 game. The motive to get into that game is because that matchup features a win-and-in situation and another game for the team that falls. Washington's overtime win over the Indiana Pacers was huge, but now Bradley Beal is dealing with a hamstring injury that will force him out of Monday's contest.

Beal's 50-point performance against Indiana showed just how electrifying he has been all season long. Beal and Russell Westbrook are arguably the best backcourt in basketball right now as Westbrook is finally returning to form. Westbrook had another tremendous performance in the recent win with 33 points, 19 rebounds, and 15 assists. It's up to Russ and Co. to carry the load without their leading scorer for the foreseeable future.

Why The Hawks Could Cover The Spread

The Hawks have been the epitome of an up-and-down team recently. They followed a three-game road losing streak with a three-game home winning streak during a recent six-game stretch. Atlanta is now coming off a road loss against the Pacers in the last game. The Hawks just had a much-needed weekend with no games as they regroup and regain their health down the stretch.

Atlanta saw some promising performances in the recent loss against the Pacers. Trae Young led the way for his club with 30 points and 10 assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic and John Collins were significant contributors as well with 28 and 25 points, respectively. The Hawks have to be thrilled that they won't have to worry about locking Bradley Beal down in this matchup. Atlanta has been dominant on its home floor lately, going 7-0 ATS in the last seven.

Final Wizards-Hawks Prediction & Pick

As much as the absence of Bradley Beal will hurt the Wizards, I see this line as an overreaction. Russ and the rest of the Wizards have been playing very well and certainly won't slow down without their leading scorer. The Hawks are rested and rather healthy, but still not eight points better than the Wizards at this point in time. Atlanta's inconsistencies make it difficult to believe the club will command this game for a full 48. Look for the Wizards to make this a ballgame with a chance to win late.

FINAL PICK: Washington Wizards +7.5 (-110)