Atlanta Hawks vs Washington Wizards Picks and Predictions November 15th 2024

Hawks vs Wizards November 15th 2024

At 7:30 ET, the Washington Wizards (2-8) will take on the Atlanta Hawks (5-7) in a Southeast Division matchup. The Hawks are favored by 8.5 points and are currently 2nd in the Southeast Division and 7th in the Eastern Conference. The over/under line is 238.5 points.

This game will be played at State Farm Arena in Atlanta and can be seen on MNMT.

Wizards vs. Hawks Key Information

Washington fell to 2-8 on the season after a 139-130 loss to the Spurs on Wednesday. The Wizards, who were +9.5 point underdogs, managed to cover the spread. The game’s total score of 269 points exceeded the pre-game O/U line of 224.5 by 44.5 points.

A 10-0 run by the Spurs early in the game put the Wizards in a tough spot. Washington battled back, winning the 2nd quarter 36-35, but a 41-24 3rd quarter by the Spurs left the Wizards trailing 108-91 going into the 4th. Despite a strong 4th quarter, where they outscored the Spurs 39-31, the Wizards couldn’t complete the comeback.

Jordan Poole’s 42-point performance, including 15 in the 4th quarter, highlighted the Wizards’ offensive effort in their 139-130 loss to the Spurs. Poole shot 68.2% from the field, hitting 6 threes at a 66.7% clip. Corey Kispert added 19 points, with 14 coming in the final period, connecting on 5 threes at 55.6%.

As a team, the Wizards shot 51.6% overall and made 18 threes, shooting 40.9% from beyond the arc. Jonas Valanciunas contributed 16 points and 13 rebounds, while Alex Sarr scored 8 of his 12 points in the 2nd quarter.

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The Wizards struggled defensively, allowing 139 points to the Spurs, who shot 52% from the field. Washington gave up 32 points in the 1st quarter, 35 in the 2nd, and 41 in the 3rd, before allowing 31 in the 4th.

San Antonio hit 18 threes at a 40% clip, and the Wizards sent them to the line 32 times, where they made 25 free throws. Washington finished with 30 defensive rebounds, gave up 8 offensive boards, and recorded 5 steals and 5 blocks.

The Hawks improved to 5-7 this season after a 117-116 win over the Celtics on Tuesday. Atlanta, who were +16.5 point underdogs, not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread. The total score of 233 points went over the pre-game line of 225.

Atlanta trailed 91-84 going into the 4th quarter after losing the 2nd quarter 34-25. However, they turned things around by outscoring Boston 33-25 in the final period to secure the win.

Dyson Daniels led the Hawks with 28 points and 7 assists in their win over the Celtics, scoring 11 points in the 4th quarter. Larry Nance Jr. added 19 points, hitting 5 threes at an 83.3% rate.

Jalen Johnson and Clint Capela each contributed 18 points, with Johnson also grabbing 12 rebounds and dishing out 10 assists. The Hawks shot 50.5% from the field, but struggled from deep, making just 10 threes at a 31.2% clip.

Despite a rough start, the Hawks tightened up defensively in the 2nd half, allowing just 51 points in the 3rd and 4th quarters to secure a win over the Celtics. Overall, they gave up 116 points on 50% shooting from the field.

Atlanta struggled to defend the three, as Boston hit 18 threes at a 40% clip. The Hawks also sent the Celtics to the line 27 times, where they converted 22 free throws. Defensively, the Hawks recorded 16 steals and 2 blocks.

Entering the game as underdogs with a spread of +8.5, the Wizards is our point spread pick. Our projections not only see them covering the spread but also indicate a solid chance of an outright victory. This is a good choice for those looking for a higher moneyline payout.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 238.5, and our model projects the Wizards and Hawks to reach a combined total of 256 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

Hawks, Wizards Clash Again in NBA Cup Group Play

The Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards face off for the third time this season on Friday, this time as part of NBA Cup group play in East Group C. The game, set in Atlanta, marks a critical matchup as both teams aim to improve their standings in the second-ever in-season tournament.

Wizards Seek to End Losing Streak

The Wizards (2-8) have struggled mightily this season but hold the distinction of beating the Hawks in both of their previous encounters. Washington won a close 121-119 game in Atlanta on October 28, followed by a 133-120 victory at home two days later. Despite these victories, the Wizards are currently on a six-game skid.

In their last outing, Washington fell to the San Antonio Spurs 139-130, despite a season-high 42 points from Jordan Poole. The Wizards trailed by as many as 21 points but showed resilience to close the gap late in the game. Head coach Brian Keefe remains focused on turning close games into actual wins.

“We did not start the game well, but we answered the bell and came back,” Keefe said. “Good progress, but no more moral victories. We need to start finishing games.”

Jordan Poole, acquired in the offseason, has been a bright spot, averaging 22.2 points per game, up from his 17.4 average last season. Keefe has emphasized an aggressive approach for Poole to maximize his impact.

Hawks Riding High After Upsetting Celtics

The Hawks (5-5) enter Friday’s matchup on a high note after a thrilling 117-116 win over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday in their first NBA Cup game. Atlanta managed this feat without star guard Trae Young, who was sidelined with Achilles tendinitis. Young, who averages 23.9 points and 11.5 assists per game, is expected to return against Washington.

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In Young’s absence, Jalen Johnson shone with an 18-point, 12-rebound, and 10-assist triple-double. Dyson Daniels, a defensive stalwart, added 28 points, seven assists, and six steals, showcasing his all-around impact. Daniels, who was acquired in the Dejounte Murray trade, has emerged as a defensive force, leading the NBA with 3.6 steals per game.

“Dyson’s defensive instincts are outstanding,” said Hawks coach Quin Snyder. “He knows when to be aggressive and when to stay solid, which makes a huge difference for us defensively.”

Defensive Mindsets Set to Collide

Both teams have emphasized defense this season, albeit with different results. The Hawks have seen improvement, particularly with Daniels’ defensive prowess, while the Wizards have continued to struggle, allowing an average of 120.5 points per game — the second-worst mark in the league.

Friday’s game promises to be an exciting clash, with Jordan Poole’s offensive firepower facing off against the Hawks’ defensive schemes. With the added stakes of NBA Cup group play, both teams will be eager to make a statement.

Tip-off is set for Friday night in Atlanta, where the Hawks will look to avenge their previous losses to the Wizards and continue their push for NBA Cup success.