The Atlanta Hawks (9-26) square off against the Portland Trail Blazers (18-16) at Philips Arena. The game is scheduled to get underway at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 30, 2017.
Portland Trail Blazers at Atlanta Hawks ATS Prediction
The last time the Trail Blazers played, they beat the Philadelphia 76ers, 114-110. Getting to the free throw line was one of Portland’s largest strengths. They made 47 trips to the line, 33 more than Philadelphia. With 34 points on 9-for-20 shooting, CJ McCollum was the game’s leading scorer.
The Hawks fell to the Toronto Raptors in their last game, 111-98. Toronto’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Atlanta. The Raptors had a rate of 9.2 (better than their season average of 12.2), while the Hawks posted a mark of 15.7. Taurean Prince put together a solid game for Atlanta, leading both teams in scoring with 30 points on 12-for-16 shooting.
Atlanta might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they square off against one of the league’s best defenses. Portland ranks third in defensive efficiency while the Hawks rank 18th in offensive efficiency.
Portland comes into the contest with records of 18-16 straight up (SU) and 16-15-3 against the spread (ATS). Of the Trail Blazers’ 34 games, 24 have finished under the projected point total.
Although Atlanta has a difficult time winning games outright (9-26 SU), they have a respectable record ATS (19-14-1). Of the Hawks’ 34 games that accepted bets, 18 have finished over the O/U total.
Shabazz Napier has averaged 14.6 points and 1.6 steals over the last five games for Portland.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Trail Blazers won the last game 113-97. The Trail Blazers’ offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over the Hawks. Portland had a rate of 36.1, while Atlanta posted a mark of 22.6.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Atlanta Hawks Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Hawks, ATS Winner – Hawks, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Portland is 11-4-1 ATS on the road with 11 unders and 5 overs.
Atlanta is 9-8 ATS at home with 10 overs, 6 unders and 1 push.
In games where they allow less than 100 points, Atlanta is 2-3 and Portland is 13-4.
The Trail Blazers are 13-7 when they score above 100 points, while the Hawks are 9-14.
Portland ranks first in assists allowed per game (18.6) while Atlanta ranks last (25.7).
The Trail Blazers rank first in three pointers allowed per game (25.1) while the Hawks rank 27th (31.5).
Atlanta ranks seventh in steals per game (8.5) while Portland ranks 26th (6.6).
The Trail Blazers rank eighth in rebounds per game (44.9) while the Hawks rank 27th (40.0).
Portland ranks ninth in second chance points allowed per game (11.4) while Atlanta ranks 27th (14.2).
The Hawks rank eighth in points off turnovers per game (18.0) while the Trail Blazers rank 25th (14.9).
Portland averages 5.2 blocks per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. Atlanta ranks 22nd in blocks allowed per game (5.2).
The Trail Blazers rank fourth in fast break points allowed per game (9.2) while the Hawks rank 17th (11.2).
Atlanta ranks 21st in points in the paint per game (41.8) while Portland ranks 25th (40.8).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Portland is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Atlanta is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Trail Blazers have been outscored by an average of 2.6 points in their last five games. On the season, Portland has defeated opponents by an average of 1.4 points.
During their last five games, the Hawks have scored an average of 107.0 points per game (3.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 108.4 points per game (0.1 below their season average).
