The Cleveland Cavaliers (0-2) welcome the Atlanta Hawks (0-2) to Quicken Loans Arena for their home opener. The game will air on Fox Sports – Southeast at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 21, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 229 points with Cleveland opening as a 7-point favorite.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Prediction
The last time the Hawks played, they were topped by the Memphis Grizzlies, 131-117, and were unable to cover as 7-point underdogs. The game’s combined points (248) were well over the projected point total of 216.5. One of Memphis’ largest advantages was getting to the free throw line. They had 43 free throw attempts, while Atlanta had 36. Taurean Prince led Atlanta in scoring with 28 points on 10-for-15 shooting.
The Cavaliers were beaten by the Minnesota Timberwolves in their last outing, 131-123, but did cover as 8.5-point underdogs. The game’s combined points (254) came in well over the O/U total of 223. Minnesota was effective at getting and making free throws. The Timberwolves made 33 of their 35 free throws (94.3 percent), while the Cavaliers were 25-29 (86.2 percent). Kevin Love had a solid game for Cleveland, leading the team in scoring with 25 points on 6-for-19 shooting.
Cleveland could have their way on the offensive side of the ball as their high-powered offense squares off against one of the worst defenses in the league. The Cavaliers rank fifth in offensive efficiency, while Atlanta ranks 22nd in defensive efficiency since the 2017-18 season. Also, the Hawks, who rank 21st in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.186), could have a tough time getting to the line against the Cavaliers, who rank third in opponents’ FTA rate (0.173).
Since last season, the Hawks are 24-60 straight up (SU) and 42-48 against the spread (ATS). Atlanta games have gone under the O/U total 57.8 percent of the time since last season.
The Cavaliers, on the other hand, are 50-34 SU and 47-50-5 ATS since last season. Games including Cleveland have had a tendency to finish over the projected point total over that same period (60.8 percent).
The Cavaliers won three out of four meetings against the Hawks last season. In the last matchup, Cleveland won 123-107. The Cavaliers had a better turnover percentage (8.5 vs. 11.6) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.622 vs. 0.542).
Atlanta Hawks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Cavaliers, ATS Winner – Cavaliers, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Atlanta is 12-4 when they allow under 100 points, while Cleveland is 22-6.
In games where they reach 100 points, the Cavaliers are 58-23 and the Hawks are 20-33.
Cleveland ranks third in blocks allowed per game (4.2) while Atlanta ranks 28th (5.5).
The Hawks average 31.1 three pointers per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. The Cavaliers rank 28th in three pointers allowed per game (31.2).
Cleveland ranks 10th in steals allowed per game (7.3) while Atlanta ranks 28th (8.7).
The Hawks rank fourth in points off turnovers per game (17.6) while the Cavaliers rank 22nd (15.5).
Atlanta ranks ninth in assists per game (23.7) while Cleveland ranks 27th in assists allowed per game (25.1).
The Cavaliers rank 14th in fast break points per game (11.9) while the Hawks rank 24th in fast break points allowed per game (13.1).
Cleveland ranks 20th in points in the paint per game (43.6) while Atlanta ranks 27th (41.6).
The Cavaliers rank 24th in rebounds per game (42.0) while the Hawks rank 25th (41.9).
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