The Cleveland Cavaliers (19-8) will attempt to extend their eight-game home winning streak in a matchup against the Atlanta Hawks (6-20) at Quicken Loans Arena. The game will air on Fox Sports – Ohio at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 12, 2017.
Atlanta Hawks at Cleveland Cavaliers Free Prediction
In the Hawks’ last matchup, they were defeated by the New York Knicks, 111-107. New York’s 11.2 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Atlanta, who had a rate of 15.1. The Knicks’ mark was better than their season average of 14.4. Atlanta’s Ersan Ilyasova had a good game, putting up 20 points.
The Cavaliers beat the Philadelphia 76ers in their last contest, 105-98. The Cavaliers made 19 of their 25 free throws (76.0 percent), while the 76ers had a turnover percentage of 18.5 (above their season average of 14.7). With 30 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists, LeBron James led the way for Cleveland with his second triple-double of the year.
Cleveland could dominate on the offensive side of the ball as their high-octane offense goes up against one of the worst defenses in the NBA. The Cavaliers currently rank third in offensive efficiency, while Atlanta ranks 28th in defensive efficiency. Additionally, the Hawks rank 23rd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.179), while the Cavaliers rank fifth in opponents’ FTA rate (0.173).
Atlanta holds records of 6-20 straight up (SU) and 13-12-1 against the spread (ATS). Of the Hawks’ 26 games, 14 have finished over the total.
Cleveland has a phenomenal 19-8 SU record, but they are just 10-16-1 ATS. Cavaliers games have finished over the projected point total 51.9 percent of the time.
Both teams have won a game in the season series. The Cavaliers won the most recent matchup 121-114, but were unable to cover as 7.5-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 235 points, which was 17.5 points above the projected point total of 217.5 points. The Cavaliers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (36.4 vs. 22.2) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.633 vs. 0.595). James recorded a double-double with 24 points and 12 assists.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Hawks, ATS Winner – Hawks, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Atlanta is 7-6-1 ATS with 8 unders and 6 overs.
Cleveland is 2-11-1 ATS at home with 7 overs and 7 unders.
Cleveland is 9-0 when they allow less than 100 points, while Atlanta is 1-2.
The Cavaliers are 19-6 when they reach the century mark, while the Hawks are 6-12.
Cleveland averages 32.4 three pointers per game, which ranks third in the league. Atlanta ranks 28th in three pointers allowed per game (32.5).
The Hawks average 23.2 assists per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. The Cavaliers rank 27th in assists allowed per game (25.0).
Atlanta ranks fourth in steals per game (8.8) while Cleveland ranks 23rd (7.0).
The Cavaliers rank fifth in blocks allowed per game (4.0) while the Hawks rank 19th (5.0).
Cleveland ranks 15th in second chance points allowed per game (12.1) while Atlanta ranks 29th (14.0).
The Hawks rank sixth in points off turnovers per game (18.6) while the Cavaliers rank 15th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.8).
Cleveland ranks 20th in rebounds per game (42.2) while Atlanta ranks 25th (40.2).
The Cavaliers average 43.4 points in the paint per game, which ranks 15th in the NBA. The Hawks rank 18th in points allowed in the paint per game (45.2).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Atlanta is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Cleveland is 2-3 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Hawks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 1.8, down from 5.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cavaliers have scored an average of 107.4 points per game (3.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 100.2 points per game (7.0 below their season average).
