The Atlanta Hawks are continuing to find ways to win close games on their State Farm Arena court. That includes a win against the Chicago Bulls, who visit them at 7:30 p.m. ET Wednesday in Atlanta, when the Hawks prevailed 123-122 in overtime on Dec. 11.
The Bulls (12-18) look to exact revenge as they still try to find their rhythm in hopes of making the playoffs. But they continue to do it without point guard Lonzo Ball, who remains out until January with a knee injury.
Similarly, the Hawks (16-15) have taken a hit without defensive anchor Clint Capela at center as he battles a calf injury that has him out until January.
The Hawks are favored by six points with a total of 234 points. The Bulls are +190 on the moneyline, and the Hawks are -240 on the moneyline.
Bulls need to get defensive
Chicago led the Eastern Conference throughout the first few months last season. But the Bulls have struggled defensively, which was their calling card during that run and return to the playoffs.
This season they are 18th in allowing teams to score 114.7 points per game. They are 24th in allowing opponents to make 48.0% of shots and second worst in allowing 37.7% of 3-point shots.
Offensively, the Bulls are scoring 113.2 points per game, which ranks 15th. They are sixth in making 48.3% of shots and 11th in making 36.7% of 3-point shots. If they get fouled, they’re money at the free-throw line, where they are third with an 82.2% conversion rate.
Up and down Hawks
Part of the reason the Hawks are having an up-and-down season is a lack of consistency. They are middle of the pack on both ends of the court and are looking to improve.
They rank 14th offensively, scoring 114.3 points per game, but have struggled with efficiency. They are 18th in making 46.6% of field goal attempts and 26th in making 33.0% of 3-point shots. However, they are second in making 82.2% of free throw attempts.
Defensively, the Hawks are allowing teams to score 115.4 points per game, which ranks 19th. They allow teams to convert 47.3% of field goal attempts, which ranks 18th, yet force them to only convert 34.5% of 3-point shots, which is seventh.
Bulls/Hawks Betting Prediction
The Bulls are 13-16-1 against the spread and on over/unders. They are 5-11 straight up on the road. Meanwhile, the Hawks are 12-19 against the spread while 18-13 on over/unders. They are 10-5 straight up at home, including a buzzer-beater to beat the Magic on Monday.
The two teams are 5-5 in their last ten meetings, with the Bulls 6-4 against the spread and the over also 6-4. Public betting data shows 59% of fans picking the Bulls against the spread and 53% on the over. The Bulls (against the spread) and over are each 4-1 in the last five meetings.
We’ll take the Bulls +6.
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