Spread and Score Predictions: Atlanta Hawks vs Phoenix Suns
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For the third straight game, the Atlanta Hawks are going to be a near double-digit underdog.
The Hawks were underdogs in Los Angeles vs the Clippers and Lakers and both games went in opposite directions. Atlanta stunned the Clippers on Sunday before getting blown out by the Lakers on Monday. Atlanta is going to be without Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, and others in this game so they are going to have to play a tremendous game against the Suns, who are coming off of a win against the 76ers last night.
This is the second matchup of the year for these two teams, with Atlanta winning back in February. The difference between then and now is that Atlanta had Young, Johnson, and Saddiq Bey in their lineup.
The interesting thing to keep an eye on for this matchup is the injury report for the Suns. Because they are playing on a back-to-back, it is possible a player could be added to it today and sit out tonight. Keep your eyes on it today.
For Atlanta to have a shot, they are likely going to need to have a big game from Dejounte Murray. Murray had 40 points vs the Blazers and 33 points vs the Jazz, but he had to take plenty of shot attempts to get there. It might be that kind of night for Murray tonight vs the Suns.
Bogdan Bogdanovic had a great night vs the Clippers, but he has not played well over the past few weeks in total. With other guys out, Bogdanovic is going to need to step up tonight and have a good shooting night tonight as the Hawks's second-best option on offense.
The two starting forwards are going to be the question mark tonight for Atlanta. Vit Krejci has been starting since Bey went down with his injury and most nights he does not have to do much on the offensive end of the floor. Krejci has shown the ability to shoot the three well and he is not a bad defender either. His production is low, but he usually finds ways to contribute.
Mar 13, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray (5) scores a basket on a layup during the first half against Portland Trail Blazers forward Justin Minaya (24), forward Kris Murray (8), and center Deandre Ayton (2) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Wesley Matthews started in place of Johnson when he was out previously with his ankle injury, but he is questionable with an illness tonight. Wesley has been shooting well from three in the past few games, but if he can't go, I assume that Garrison Matthews will get the start. Garrison is one of the Hawks's best catch-and-shoot three-point shooters but has limitations on defense.
Clint Capela has a double-double in five of the last six games and the Suns are not a great defensive rebounding team. Atlanta is probably going to need both Capela and Onyeka Okongwu to have a big game on the boards to get the Hawks second-chance points tonight. Okongwu played his first game in over a month on Monday vs the Lakers and played 19 minutes. Keep an eye on his minutes tonight.
Offense is the calling card for this Suns team. Durant, Booker, and Beal can all have huge scoring nights and Grayson Allen has been one of the best shooters in the NBA this year. Atlanta is coming off of one of their worst defensive performances of the year (even for them) and the Lakers are not as good of an offensive team as Phoenix is.
The Suns come into this game 11th in PPG, 5th in field goal percentage, 26th in three-point attempts, 9th in three-point percentage, 4th in free throw attempts, 19th in offensive rebounding, and 25th in turnovers. Per Cleaning the Glass, the Suns are 8th in points per 100 possessions, 8th in effective field goal percentage, 24th in turnover percentage, 7th in offensive rebounding percentage, and 1st in free throw rate.
Viewing and Betting Information
Tip-off time: 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Location: Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ
Where to Watch: NBA League Pass, Bally Sports Southeast, NBA TV
Spread and Over/Under: The Hawks will be underdogs on the road tonight, as they are currently 9.5 point underdogs according to the latest odds from the SI Sportsbook and the over/under is set at 226.5.
Even though the Suns are on a back-to-back, they have too much firepower for the Hawks tonight. Barring a sudden addition to the injury report, I like the Suns to win tonight and win comfortably and the over to hit.
Final Score: Suns 126, Hawks 112
