It will be a battle between Southeast Division opponents when the Atlanta Hawks (15-35) welcome the Charlotte Hornets (20-29) to Philips Arena. The game can be seen on Fox Sports Carolina at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 31, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 211 points with Charlotte set as a 2.5-point favorite.
Charlotte Hornets at Atlanta Hawks Free Prediction
The Hornets are hoping for a better outcome after their 105-96 loss to the Indiana Pacers in their last outing. Indiana’s 12.0 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Charlotte, who had a rate of 14.8. The Pacers’ mark was worse than their season average of 11.9, while the Hornets’ was above their season average of 11.3. Dwight Howard played well for Charlotte, contributing 22 points and 11 rebounds.
The last time the Hawks played, they were victorious over the Minnesota Timberwolves, 105-100. Atlanta’s 22.2 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Minnesota, who had a rate of 16.3. The Hawks’ mark was below their season average of 22.8, while the Timberwolves’ was below their season average of 25.4. With 18 points and 11 assists, Atlanta’s Dennis Schroder had a solid outing.
The offense of Atlanta (25th in the NBA with an offensive efficiency of 104.1) will go head-to-head against the elite defense of Charlotte (ninth in the league with a defensive efficiency of 105.0). The Hornets should have the advantage on that side of the ball. Additionally, the Hornets commit the third-fewest errors in the league (turnover percentage of 12.5 percent), while the disruptive defense of the Hawks causes the fourth-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 15.6 percent).
Charlotte comes into the contest with records of 20-29 straight up (SU) and 19-26-4 against the spread (ATS). Of the Hornets’ 49 games, 26 have finished under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Atlanta is 15-35 SU and 26-22-2 ATS. Games including the Hawks also have finished under the total 52.0 percent of the time.
Howard has averaged 17.6 points, 15.6 rebounds and 4.6 blocks over the last five games for Charlotte.
The Hornets have won both games against the Hawks this season, including a 121-110 victory the last time these teams met. Charlotte covered as a 7-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 231 points, which was 19.5 points above the projected point total of 211.5 points. The Hornets had a much better turnover percentage (9.7 vs. 18.2) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (25.0 vs. 15.8). Howard recorded a double-double with 18 points and 15 rebounds.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Atlanta Hawks Pick
Free NBA Pick: SU Winner – Hornets, ATS Winner – Hornets, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Charlotte is 7-11-3 ATS on the road with 11 unders, 9 overs and 1 push.
At home, Atlanta is 14-12 ATS with 13 unders, 12 overs and 1 push.
In games where they hold opponents below 100 points, Charlotte is 8-3 and Atlanta is 7-3.
The Hornets are 19-11 when they reach 100 points, while the Hawks are 14-20.
Charlotte ranks second in steals allowed per game (6.5) while Atlanta ranks 26th (8.6).
The Hawks rank fifth in assists per game (23.8) while the Hornets rank 29th (20.5).
Charlotte ranks second in rebounds per game (46.4) while Atlanta ranks 25th (41.0).
The Hornets rank first in second chance points allowed per game (9.6) while the Hawks rank 21st (13.2).
Atlanta ranks first in points off turnovers per game (18.7) while Charlotte ranks 20th (16.0).
The Hornets rank fourth in fast break points allowed per game (9.7) while the Hawks rank 19th (12.1).
Charlotte averages 4.8 blocks per game, which ranks 15th in the league. Atlanta ranks 27th in blocks allowed per game (5.4).
The Hawks average 29.6 three pointers per game, which ranks 11th in the league. The Hornets rank 21st in three pointers allowed per game (29.6).
Charlotte ranks 17th in points in the paint per game (43.3) while Atlanta ranks 27th (40.7).
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, Charlotte is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Atlanta is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Hornets’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 0.4, up from 0.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hawks have scored an average of 103.2 points per game (0.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 109.6 points per game (1.6 above their season average).
