The Atlanta Hawks (10-26) look to snap their six-game road losing streak in a matchup against the Phoenix Suns (14-24) at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The game will air on Fox Sports – Southeast at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 218.5 points with Phoenix set as a 1-point favorite.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Phoenix Suns ATS Prediction
In the Hawks’ last game, they topped the Portland Trail Blazers, 104-89. Atlanta’s 12.0 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Portland, who had a rate of 18.1. The Hawks’ mark was better than their season average of 13.9, while the Trail Blazers’ was above their season average of 12.8. With 22 points on 9-for-17 shooting, Dennis Schroder was the top scorer from either team.
The Suns lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in their last game, 123-110. Philadelphia’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Phoenix. The 76ers had a rate of 0.623 (above their season average of 0.519), while the Suns posted a mark of 0.477. With 32 points on 8-for-22 shooting, Devin Booker was the top scorer from either team.
This has potential to be a mistake-prone game for the offense of Phoenix. Phoenix ranks 22nd in the NBA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 14.7 percent), while the gambling defense of Atlanta forces the second-most turnovers in the NBA (16.0 percent).
Atlanta has a solid record against the spread (20-15-1), despite being 10-26 straight up (SU). Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when setting the O/U total of Hawks games, with 18 overs compared to 17 unders.
Meanwhile, Phoenix is 14-24 SU and 19-18-1 ATS. Of the Suns’ 38 games, 20 have finished over the total.
T.J. Warren has averaged 23.2 points and 6.8 rebounds over the last five games for Phoenix.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Hawks won the most recent matchup 95-91. One of Atlanta’s largest advantages was getting to the charity stripe. They made 29 trips to the line, while Phoenix went 24 times.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Phoenix Suns Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Hawks, ATS Winner – Hawks, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Atlanta is 10-7-1 ATS with 10 unders and 8 overs.
Phoenix is 8-12 ATS at home with 10 overs, 9 unders and 1 push.
When holding opponents below 100 points, Phoenix is 5-2 and Atlanta is 3-3.
The Suns are 10-15 when they reach 100 points, while the Hawks are 10-14.
Atlanta ranks fourth in assists per game (24.2) while Phoenix ranks 29th (20.4).
The Suns rank eighth in second chance points per game (13.8) while the Hawks rank last in second chance points allowed per game (14.4).
Atlanta ranks sixth in steals per game (8.6) while Phoenix ranks 27th (6.6).
The Suns rank sixth in rebounds per game (45.3) while the Hawks rank 27th (40.1).
Atlanta ranks eighth in points off turnovers per game (18.0) while Phoenix ranks 26th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.6).
The Suns rank 11th in three pointers allowed per game (27.3) while the Hawks rank 28th (31.3).
Atlanta ranks 16th in points allowed in the paint per game (44.5) while Phoenix ranks 28th (48.5).
The Suns average 13.4 fast break points per game, which ranks eighth in the league. The Hawks rank 18th in fast break points allowed per game (11.2).
Phoenix averages 4.8 blocks per game, which ranks 12th in the league. Atlanta ranks 21st in blocks allowed per game (5.3).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Atlanta is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Phoenix is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Hawks have outscored opponents by an average of 3.6 points in their last five games. On the season, Atlanta has lost by an average of 4.1 points.
During their last five games, the Suns have scored an average of 104.6 points per game (1.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 106.2 points per game (6.2 below their season average).
