The Atlanta Hawks (39-37) host the Cleveland Cavaliers (42-24) Thursday for a 7:30 p.m. ET game at the State Farm Arena. Below, we look at the Cavaliers vs. Hawks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
Cleveland has lost 4 of 5 and 6 straight against the spread (ATS) with the latest being a 120-112 defeat Wednesday at home to the Dallas Mavericks.
Atlanta has won 4 of 5 including 3 consecutive games (4-1 ATS), the most recent a 136-118 beatdown of the Thunder Wednesday in Oklahoma City.
The Hawks are 2-1 straight up (SU) and ATS versus the Cavs this season and the total is 2-1 Over/Under (O/U).
- Money line (ML): Cavaliers +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Hawks -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
- Against the spread: Cavaliers +5.5 (-105) | Hawks -5.5 (-120)
- Over/Under: 228.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)
Cavaliers at Hawks key injuries
Cavaliers (not yet submitted)
- C Jarrett Allen (finger) out
- PF Evan Mobley (ankle) out
Hawks (not yet submitted)
- PF John Collins (foot) out
- SF Danilo Gallinari (elbow) questionable
Cavaliers at Hawks odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Cavaliers 119, Hawks 116
Money line
SPRINKLE on CAVALIERS (+200), if at all, because Cleveland’s spread is the sharper play since both teams are playing in the second of a back-to-back but the Hawks are a team worth fading in this spot.
According to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG), Atlanta is 0-3 SU in games where both teams are playing with no rest days with the second-WORST adjusted net rating (minus-10.7).
Also, Cleveland’s offense showed up in Wednesday’s loss to Dallas and the Cavs outscored the Mavs in 2 of the 4 quarters, but lost the third quarter 39-22 to key the defeat.
If Cleveland can stay hot from the field then the Cavs will certainly cover the spread and perhaps steal this game outright.
Again, my preferred play is Cleveland plus the points but there’s a little value on the CAVALIERS (+200).