The Atlanta Hawks (2-5) square off with the Sacramento Kings (5-3) at State Farm Arena. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 1, 2018, and will air on NBC Sports – California.
Sacramento opened as a 2-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 231 points.
Sacramento Kings vs. Atlanta Hawks Free Prediction
The last time the Kings played, they topped the Orlando Magic, 107-99, as 4.5-point underdogs. The game’s combined points (206) were under the O/U total of 220.5. The Kings held the Magic to an effective field goal percentage of 0.456 (below the 0.541 mark opponents have averaged against Sacramento this season) and had a free throw rate of 0.202 (above their season average of 0.173). Sacramento received a boost from Buddy Hield, who was the top scorer from either team with 25 points on 9-for-15 shooting.
The Hawks got blown out by the Cleveland Cavaliers in their last contest, 136-114. They failed to cover as 4.5-point underdogs. The game’s combined points (250) finished well over the projected point total of 226.5. One of Cleveland’s biggest strengths was getting to the charity stripe. They had 43 free throw attempts, while Atlanta had just 17. Atlanta’s Alex Len finished with 22 points and nine rebounds in the game.
Conflicting styles will be on display in this showdown. Atlanta ranks seventh in possessions per game (101.0) while Sacramento is 26th (98.0) since the 2017-18 season.
Sacramento heads into the game with records of 5-3 straight up (SU) and 6-2 against the spread (ATS). Vegas tends to set the total low when the Kings are involved, as 62.5 percent of their games have gone over the total.
Meanwhile, Atlanta owns records of 2-5 SU and 2-5 ATS. Games including the Hawks also tend to go over the total (57.1 percent).
These two teams split two games last season. The Kings won the last game 105-90. Sacramento had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (26.1 vs. 13.3). Atlanta, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.143 vs. 0.097).
Sacramento Kings at Atlanta Hawks Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Kings, ATS Winner – Kings, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Atlanta is 12-5 and Sacramento is 20-7.
The Hawks are 22-34 when they score above 100 points, while the Kings are 21-24.
Atlanta averages 31.5 three pointers per game, which ranks fifth in the league. Sacramento ranks 29th in three pointers allowed per game (31.9).
The Kings average 7.8 steals per game, which ranks 12th in the NBA. The Hawks rank 29th in steals allowed per game (8.7).
Atlanta ranks fourth in points off turnovers per game (17.6) while Sacramento ranks 21st (15.8).
The Kings rank 14th in points in the paint per game (44.8) while the Hawks rank 27th (41.6).
Sacramento ranks 16th in blocks allowed per game (4.9) while Atlanta ranks 27th (5.5).
The Kings rank 19th in assists allowed per game (23.7) while the Hawks rank last (26.1).
Sacramento averages 11.3 fast break points per game, which ranks 17th in the league. Atlanta ranks 24th in fast break points allowed per game (13.3).
The Hawks rank 19th in second chance points per game (11.9) while the Kings rank 25th (11.4).
Atlanta ranks 23rd in rebounds per game (42.2) while Sacramento ranks 28th (41.4).
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