Friday’s NBA schedule is loaded, so here’s the best betting pick for the interconference showdown at State Farm Arena in Atlanta along with the latest odds on BetMGM Sportsbook and all need-to-know betting tips and stats for the San Antonio Spurs vs. Atlanta Hawks clash.
The Hawks won their last season’s two-game set against San Antonio. Atlanta opened as a 2-point fave for Saturday’s game, while the Spurs are +110 moneyline dogs, as the bookies expect to see a hard-fought battle.
San Antonio is still without LaMarcus Aldridge who missed the previous four games due to a hip injury. On the other side, Atlanta misses De’Andre Hunter (knee), Bogdan Bogdanovic (leg), Rajon Rondo (back), and Kris Dunn (ankle).
The Spurs start a seven-game road trip
The San Antonio Spurs (14-11; 14-11 ATS) just snapped a three-game win streak with a 114-91 home loss to the Golden State Warriors. For the next two weeks, the Spurs will be on the road, playing six games against the Eastern Conference along with the clash against OKC.
San Antonio has won six of its last nine games overall, and the Spurs occupy the sixth spot in the Western Conference. DeMar DeRozan continues to lead the way for the Spurs, averaging 20.1 points and 6.7 assists over his last ten outings, while Dejounte Murray has added 13.0 points and 4.3 dimes per contest over his last ten showings.
The Spurs score 109.1 points per 100 possessions (22nd in the NBA) on just 44.9% shooting from the field (24th). They surrender 110.4 points per 100 possessions (9th), but the Spurs’ defense has been far away from a high level, allowing its opponents to shoot 47.1% from the field (20th) and 38.9% from downtown (25th).
The Hawks return home after a tough loss in Dallas
The Atlanta Hawks (11-13; 13-11 ATS) have dropped four of their last five games overall and desperately need to break out of their funk. After three straight home losses to the Lakers, Mavericks, and Jazz, the Hawks beat Toronto, but they returned to the losing path this past Wednesday.
Atlanta is coming off a 118-117 defeat at the Dallas Mavericks, blowing a ten-point lead from halftime. The Hawks failed to cope with the Mavs down the stretch, allowing a whopping 37 fourth-quarter points.
Trae Young is still the Hawks’ best player, averaging 31.1 points and 10.3 assists per game over his last ten appearances. However, Young needs more help from John Collins (18.5 PPG, 7.8 RPG) and Kevin Huerter (12.7 PPG, 3.6 APG). The Hawks score 112.8 points per 100 possessions (11th) and allow 111.5 in a return (16th).
Trends:
San Antonio:
- 2-6 ATS in the last eight games played in February
- 1-4 ATS in the last five games against Atlanta
Atlanta:
- 8-4 ATS in the last 12 games overall
- 13-7 ATS in the last 20 games against the Southwest Division
The Hawks have struggled defensively over the last two weeks, though they’ve played some heavyweights including the reigning NBA champs and the red-hot Utah Jazz. They have to find their defensive mojo as soon as possible, and the home clash against the Spurs seems like the perfect starting point.
I’m a huge Spurs fan, but I don’t trust this San Antonio team at all. Considering their mediocre game, the Spurs should be delighted with their current record. San Antonio will struggle to defend against Trae Young, and if John Collins gets things going offensively, the Hawks will easily win this game.
Pick: Take Atlanta -2.0 at -110
The Total:
One thing I cannot refute is the Spurs’ desire to work hard, especially on the defensive end. Both teams struggle to execute well offensively, and with the Hawks desperately needing a good defensive display, I’m backing the under on the totals.
Atlanta is 23rd in the league in effective field goal percentage (52.0), while San Antonio is 25th (50.7). The under is 5-1 in the last six matchups between the Hawks and Spurs, 4-1 in San Antonio’s last five games, and 14-6 in Atlanta’s previous 20 tilts overall.
Pick: Go under 228.5 points at -110