Washington-wizards vs Atlanta Hawks Picks and Predictions February 8th 2025

Washington-Wizards vs Atlanta Hawks February 8th 2025

At 7:00 ET, the 9-42 Washington Wizards will host the 24-28 Atlanta Hawks in a Southeast Division matchup. The Hawks are favored by 4.5 points and are -194 on the moneyline. The over/under line for the game is 237.5.

This game will be played at the Capital One Arena in Washington. The Hawks are currently 9th in the Eastern Conference, while the Wizards are 15th.

Hawks vs. Wizards Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Atlanta Hawks at Washington Wizards
• Where: Washington at Capital One Arena
• Date: Saturday, February 8th
• Betting Odds ATL -4.5, ATL -194 | WAS +163 O/U 237.5

The Hawks Can Win If…

The Hawks improved to 24-28 this season with a 115-110 win over the Bucks on Friday. Atlanta, who were +2.5 point underdogs, covered the spread with the victory. The game’s total score of 225 points fell short of the 238-point O/U line.

Atlanta jumped out to a 36-26 lead after an 11-0 run, but the Bucks responded with a dominant 47-19 second quarter. The Hawks turned the game around in the third, outscoring Milwaukee 37-17, and held a 92-90 lead going into the fourth, where they finished the game by outscoring the Bucks 23-20.

In their win over the Bucks, the Hawks shot 48.9% from the field and made 13 threes at a 36.1% clip. Trae Young led the way with 24 points and 7 assists, despite shooting just 40.9% and 25% from deep.

Dyson Daniels and Mouhamed Gueye each added 15 points, with Gueye also grabbing 12 rebounds. Gueye scored 6 points in the 4th quarter, while Young added 5 in the final period.

Despite a rough 2nd quarter where they gave up 47 points, the Hawks tightened up defensively in the 3rd and 4th quarters, allowing just 17 and 20 points, respectively, to secure the win. Overall, they held the Bucks to 110 points on 42% shooting.

The Hawks struggled to defend the three, giving up 19 made threes at a 38% clip. They sent the Bucks to the line just 10 times, with Milwaukee hitting 9 free throws. Atlanta also recorded 41 defensive rebounds, allowed 7 offensive boards, and added 6 steals and 6 blocks.

• In their last three road games, Atlanta has averaged 124 points per game while allowing 133. The team’s record in this stretch was 1-2 while going 2-1.
• In their last three games as the betting favorite, the Hawks have a straight up record of 0-3 and an ATS mark of 0-3.
• Over their last three games, the Hawks have an over/under record of 2-1 and are 3-0 vs. the spread.

The Wizards Can Win If…

The Wizards fell to 9-42 on the season after a 134-124 loss to the Cavaliers on Friday. Washington was a +17.5 point underdog but managed to keep the game closer than expected. The total points of 258 exceeded the pre-game line of 239.5 by 18.5 points.

Washington led 67-64 at halftime but were outscored 30-26 in the 3rd quarter and 40-31 in the 4th, as Cleveland pulled away late.

Jordan Poole poured in 45 points and 5 assists in the Wizards’ 134-124 loss to the Cavaliers, shooting 50% from the field and hitting 4 threes, though at just 23.5%. Kyshawn George added 17 points, knocking down 4 threes at 66.7%, while Bilal Coulibaly contributed 16 points, shooting 50% from deep.

The Wizards connected on 16 threes as a team, shooting 36.4% from beyond the arc and 48.9% overall. Poole scored 16 points in the 4th quarter, while Coulibaly added 12 of his 16 points in the opening period.

The Wizards struggled defensively on Friday, giving up 134 points to the Cavaliers. Washington allowed 35 points in the 1st quarter and 40 in the 4th, despite a better 2nd quarter where they gave up 29 points. Overall, the Cavaliers shot 51% from the field.

From beyond the arc, Cleveland hit 16 threes at a 42% clip. The Wizards also sent the Cavaliers to the line 24 times, where they made 22 free throws. Washington recorded 8 steals and 2 blocks in the game.

• The Wizards are 4-1 ATS in their last home games and 3-2 straight-up.
• Going back to their previous ten games as the underdog, Washington has an ATS mark of 5-5 while going 3-7 straight up.
• In their last three games, the Wizards have an over/under record of 2-1 and are 1-2 vs. the spread.

The Lean

Our bet is on the Hawks for a win, and we project the score to be 80-71. Additionally, we expect them to cover the spread, so our recommendation is to wager on the Hawks with the spread at -4.5.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 237.5 and our model has the Hawks and Wizards finishing with a combined 151 points. Our pick is to take the under.

Trade Deadline Brings Fresh Faces for Both Teams

When the Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards take the floor Saturday night in Washington, D.C., both teams will look noticeably different. With the NBA trade deadline shaking up their rosters, both squads are eager to see their new additions in action.

Atlanta’s newest acquisitions—Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, Bones Hyland, and Terance Mann—joined the team on Friday but did not dress in the Hawks’ 115-110 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. However, they made the postgame trip to Washington and are expected to suit up for the first time against the Wizards.

Washington also made significant moves at the deadline, acquiring Khris Middleton, Marcus Smart, Colby Jones, and Alex Len. While none of them played in Friday’s 134-124 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, they are expected to be available on Saturday. Rookie AJ Johnson, another new addition, debuted in limited minutes, contributing two points and four assists in nine minutes.

Wizards general manager Will Dawkins spoke highly of Middleton’s arrival, emphasizing his experience and leadership.

“Khris is a championship-caliber player whose professionalism will help our organization in multiple ways,” Dawkins said.

Washington Looks to Break Home Losing Streak

The Wizards had been building momentum with a three-game winning streak before Friday’s loss to Cleveland. However, home court has not been kind to Washington this season. The team has a dismal 5-21 home record and has dropped eight straight at Capital One Arena.

Compounding their struggles is their inability to win the second game of back-to-back sets. Washington is 0-8 in such situations this season, while Atlanta holds a slightly better 4-6 record on the second night of back-to-backs.

Despite their challenges, the Wizards have had the upper hand in the season series against Atlanta, winning two of three meetings. The Hawks, however, claimed the most recent matchup with a 129-117 victory on Nov. 15.

Hawks Aim to Keep Momentum Going

Atlanta has won two of its last three games after enduring an eight-game losing streak. The team’s win over Milwaukee on Friday was a step in the right direction, even without its newly acquired players in the lineup.

One of the game’s biggest surprises was the emergence of rookie big man Mouhamed Gueye. Pressed into extended minutes due to roster changes, Gueye delivered his first career double-double, finishing with a season-high 15 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks.

“It’s just part of the process,” Gueye said. “I’ve been working my tail off the whole time. I pride myself in bringing the energy whenever I’m on the court.”

The Hawks also expect to have center Clint Capela available after he missed Friday’s game for personal reasons but was seen on the bench in street clothes.

Washington’s Jordan Poole Coming Off Career Night

While the Wizards struggled to contain Cleveland, Jordan Poole put on a show with a career-high 45 points. The 25-year-old guard has been heating up, scoring at least 19 points in 16 of his last 22 games.

With the team introducing several new players into the rotation, Poole’s offensive production will be key in keeping Washington competitive.

Battle of the Top Rookies: Risacher vs. Sarr?

Saturday’s game also features a potential showdown between the top two picks from the 2024 NBA Draft—Atlanta’s Zaccharie Risacher (No. 1 overall) and Washington’s Alex Sarr (No. 2).

Risacher has averaged 11.2 points and 3.4 rebounds in his rookie campaign, showing flashes of his scoring ability. Sarr has posted slightly better numbers at 11.5 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, but his status remains uncertain after missing the last five contests with a sprained left ankle.

Wizards Dealing with More Injury Concerns

In addition to Sarr’s injury, Washington could be without Anthony Gill, who sprained his ankle in Friday’s game against Cleveland. Malcolm Brogdon (injury management) and Justin Champagnie (rib contusion) also sat out Friday, and their availability remains unclear.

Dive into the Latest NBA Scoring Leader Race with Updated Odds and Expert Analysis

A Fresh Start for Both Teams

With a wave of new talent ready to take the court, Saturday’s game represents a fresh start for both Atlanta and Washington. The Hawks hope their new acquisitions will provide a much-needed spark as they continue their push up the Eastern Conference standings. Meanwhile, the Wizards are looking to integrate their new core while snapping their prolonged struggles at home.

With potential debuts, a red-hot Jordan Poole, and a battle between two top rookies, this final meeting between the Hawks and Wizards is shaping up to be an exciting one.