The Hawks head to Phoenix to take on the Suns in what was almost the finals matchup a season ago. Atlanta is a team that has come out slow for a second straight year but is hoping to again turn on the jets and fire up the wins later on. As for Phoenix, they are dealing with a lot of outside noise as the team workplace and culture is being questioned and probed.
For Atlanta, they have all the talent they could possibly want. They have four of their key guys locked up to long-term deals, plus three more seasons, if they so choose, of Danilo Gallinari and Bogdan Bogdanovic. It does not seem as if they would have any hesitation in paying Cam Reddish, too, should they choose to ultimately hang on to him. Same with De’Andre Hunter.
As for Phoenix, the wins will come as they did a season ago. But, the level of competition is much stiffer now. The chances of them winning as much as last year are not so high. They went 53-19 in a slightly abbreviated campaign, whereas 82 will be played this time around. But, if anybody has the ability to come in and constantly shock opponents, it is them.
The point guard battle between Trae Young and John Collins will be incredible to watch.
Betting Odds & Lines
The spread for Saturday night’s game is currently set at PHX -5. The over/under is 224 points. The ATL moneyline is +160, while the PHX line is -197.
Hawks Seek Quick Climb Back to .500
At 4-5, the Hawks are not the team anybody expected them to be this year. Sure, it is very early, and they haven’t had full rotations for all of their games. But they have a depth chart that makes most clubs foam at the mouth, so they really should be a bit better at this point.
Between Trae, Clint Capela, John Collins, and all of the other good guys they have, there isn’t too much of an excuse. The big thing is for their PG to start making his shots, as he has been doing a poor job so far of putting the ball in the basket.
Well-coached as they are, the Hawk’s offense needs to wake up.
Suns Looking for Quick Home W
The Suns are favored in this one for a reason, as their talented starting five has continued to build chemistry, and the team has been doing some real winning. Frank Kaminsky came out of nowhere to drop 29 off the bench earlier in the week in a game where DeAndre Ayton was out.
The additions of JaVale McGee and Elfrid Payton have paid early dividends as the aforementioned Ayton and Cameron Payne have had to miss time with injury. They have filled in admirably.
Look for the team to space the floor and try and win with the long ball in this late-night game.
Hawks Steal Road Win
The victory will be claimed by the visiting team, as PHX will fall to 4-4.
Betting Picks:
- ATL +5
- Over 224
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