The Atlanta Hawks (2-3) will have their hands full against the NBA’s top shooting defense when they take on the Philadelphia 76ers (3-3) at Wells Fargo Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, October 29, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports – Southeast.
Philadelphia opened as an 11-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 229.5 points.
Atlanta Hawks at Philadelphia 76ers Free Prediction
The Hawks are hoping for a better outcome after failing to cover as 5.5-point favorites in their 97-85 loss to the Chicago Bulls in their last contest. The total points for the game (182) finished well under the projected point total of 232.5. Chicago’s 0.506 effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Atlanta, who had a mark of 0.393. The Bulls’ mark was below their season average of 0.538, while the Hawks’ was below their season average of 0.546. Dewayne Dedmon had a solid outing for Atlanta, recording 13 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks.
In the 76ers’ last game, they barely escaped the Charlotte Hornets, 105-103, but failed to cover as 7.5-point favorites. The combined points for the game (208) finished well under the projected point total of 231. The 76ers had an offensive rebounding percentage of 26.4 (above their season average of 19.6) and had a free throw rate of 0.275 (above their season average of 0.196). Joel Embiid was Philadelphia’s leading scorer with 27 points on 10-for-22 shooting.
It could be a sloppy game for the Philadelphia offense. Dating back to last season, Philadelphia ranks 30th in the league in ball protection (turnover percentage of 15.2 percent), while the gambling defense of Atlanta has forced the third-most turnovers in the league (14.7 percent). Also, the Hawks’ 26th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 102.9) will face a difficult test against the 76ers’ third-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 103.0).
Atlanta comes into the contest with records of 2-3 straight up (SU) and 2-3 against the spread (ATS). Vegas tends to place the total low when the Hawks are involved, as three of their 5 games have gone over the total.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia owns records of 3-3 SU and 1-5 ATS. 76ers games also have a tendency to finish over the total (66.7 percent).
The 76ers won all three matchups against the Hawks last season. In the most recent contest, Philadelphia won 121-113. The 76ers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (26.2 vs. 15.7) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.592 vs. 0.485).
Atlanta Hawks vs. Philadelphia 76ers Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – 76ers, ATS Winner – 76ers, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Atlanta is 12-5 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Philadelphia is 24-0.
In games where they reach 100 points, the 76ers are 57-24 and the Hawks are 22-33.
Philadelphia ranks second in assists per game (26.9) while Atlanta ranks last in assists allowed per game (26.0).
The 76ers rank seventh in steals per game (8.1) while the Hawks rank 29th in steals allowed per game (8.7).
Atlanta ranks fourth in points off turnovers per game (17.6) while Philadelphia ranks 26th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.8).
The 76ers rank first in rebounds per game (47.8) while the Hawks rank 23rd (42.1).
Philadelphia ranks ninth in blocks per game (5.1) while Atlanta ranks 28th in blocks allowed per game (5.5).
The 76ers rank eighth in points in the paint per game (47.0) while the Hawks rank 27th (41.4).
Philadelphia ranks fifth in fast break points allowed per game (10.6) while Atlanta ranks 24th (13.2).
The 76ers rank fourth in second chance points per game (13.9) while the Hawks rank 19th (11.9).
Philadelphia averages 30.0 three pointers per game, which ranks 12th in the NBA. Atlanta ranks 26th in three pointers allowed per game (30.8).
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