NBA: Atlanta Hawks vs. Washington Wizards Preview, Odds, Predictions

The Atlanta Hawks visit the Washington Wizards less than 24 hours after their previous contest. Nate McMillan’s guys defeated the Chicago Bulls, but in order to capitalize on that victory, they need to make a break on the road and win in DC. Meanwhile, the Wizards are showing some life signs, and they also need a victory tonight. Why? Well, that is simple, these two teams are one next to another in the East, and are direct rivals for the play-in spot. Both teams are coming off a win here, so we expect a very fierce matchup at the Capital One Arena.

Preview

Atlanta Hawks (30-32, -140) defeated the Chicago Bulls last night, and they are only two wins away from reaching the .500-mark. That would be a massive success for the Hawks, who struggle with the form throughout the entire season. They are inconsistent, playing hot and cold, and we couldn’t get a better confirmation than the recent few results.

After losing to the Bulls, they beat the Raptors, then lost to the Celtics before getting even with Chicago last night. That game ended 130-124 in Atlanta’s favor, with the hosts managing to come back in the final period once they scored 40 points.

Trae Young was unstoppable with 39 points and 13 assists. He was 11-for-18 from the field and missed only two of his nine three-point attempts while shooting 10-for-10 from the foul line. Bogdan Bogdanovic poured 20 buckets off the bench, having four boards and four threes, while De’Andre Hunter scored 18. Clint Capela added one more double-double to his tally, 12 points 11 boards.

The Washington Wizards (28-33, +125) are shaky as well, perhaps even more than their tonight’s rival. Wes Unseld Jr’s team opened the season very well, topping the East at some point, but slowing down as time went by. Once the other rivals read their tactics, the fall slowly began.

Following two losses in a row, to the San Antonio Spurs and the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Wizards beat the Detroit Pistons at home two nights ago, 116-113. It was a very tough contest for both sides, but luckily for the Wizards, they ended up on the winning side.

Kyle Kuzma leads the team in Bradley Beal’s absence, and it seems that Kuz feels comfortable in this role. The former Laker had 21 points, nine boards, and six assists, playing well on both ends of the floor. Apart from him, the Wizard had six more double-digit scorers, Thomas Bryant 16, Caldwell-Pope 15, Raul Neto who had 13 points, etc.

Head to Head

The Wizards and the Hawks net twice this year. At first, the game took place in DC, and the hosts won 122-111; the Hawks got even at home afterward, beating the rivals 118-111.

Prediction

The inconsistency of both sides’ performances is pretty high, and in our opinion, the home-court advantage will make a decisive edge in this case. Washington is very solid at home, and additionally, the Wizards had more time to rest, with the Hawks playing last night in Atlanta before taking a trip to the DC.

Pick: Wizards win