Atlanta Hawks vs Minnesota Timberwolves Picks and Predictions December 23rd 2024

Atlanta Hawks vs Minnesota Timberwolves December 23rd 2024

At 7:30 ET, the Timberwolves (-174) will take on the Hawks (+146) in a non-conference matchup. Minnesota is currently favored by 4 points, and the over/under line is set at 221. The Timberwolves are 14-13 and have lost two straight, while the Hawks are 14-15 and have dropped three in a row.

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

Timberwolves vs. Hawks Key Information

The Timberwolves dropped to 14-13 on the season after a 113-103 home loss to the Warriors on Saturday. Minnesota, favored by 4 points, failed to cover the spread. The combined score of 216 points narrowly missed the O/U line of 217.5.

A 16-0 run by the Warriors early in the game put the Timberwolves on their heels. Minnesota battled back with a strong 3rd quarter, outscoring Golden State 38-29, but couldn’t complete the comeback, as the Warriors pulled away in the 4th quarter, outscoring the Timberwolves 34-28.

In their 113-103 loss to the Warriors, the Timberwolves shot 41.9% from the field, with a 36.8% mark from three-point range, hitting 14 threes overall. Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo each scored 19 points, with DiVincenzo shooting 58.3% from the field and making 3 threes at a 50% rate.

Edwards and DiVincenzo both scored 11 points in the 4th quarter, while Naz Reid added 10 of his 16 points in the 3rd. Rudy Gobert contributed 18 points and 12 rebounds, shooting 87.5% from the floor.

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Defensively, the Timberwolves held the Warriors to 113 points, giving up 26 in the 1st quarter and 24 in the 2nd. However, they allowed 34 points in the 4th quarter, which contributed to their loss.

Minnesota allowed Golden State to shoot 46% from the field, including 38% from three, with the Warriors hitting 16 threes. The Timberwolves sent the Warriors to the line 23 times, where they made 17 free throws. Minnesota finished with 5 steals and 2 blocks.

The Hawks dropped to 14-15 on the season after a 128-112 home loss to the Grizzlies on Saturday. Atlanta entered the game as +2 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total score of 240 points exceeded the over/under line of 232.5 by 7.5 points.

Memphis took control early with a 10-0 run, moving the score from 5-2 to 12-5. The Grizzlies outscored the Hawks 43-27 in the 1st quarter and 30-22 in the 2nd. Atlanta and Memphis both scored 27 points in the 3rd quarter, and the Hawks finished strong by outscoring the Grizzlies 36-28 in the 4th, but it was too late to mount a comeback.

In their 128-112 loss to the Grizzlies, the Hawks shot 48.8% from the field and made 14 threes at a 36.8% clip. De’Andre Hunter led the way with 26 points, shooting 64.3%, while Dyson Daniels added 15 points, hitting 3 threes at 60% efficiency.

Hunter scored 8 points in both the 3rd and 4th quarters, while Daniels also added 8 in the 3rd. Jalen Johnson finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds, despite shooting just 33.3% from the field.

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The Hawks struggled defensively in the 1st quarter, giving up 43 points, and ultimately allowed 128 points in their loss to the Grizzlies. Atlanta improved in the 3rd quarter, holding Memphis to 27 points, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.

Overall, the Hawks allowed the Grizzlies to shoot 51% from the field, including 43% from three, where Memphis hit 18 threes. Atlanta sent Memphis to the line 13 times, where they made 10 free throws. The Hawks finished with 11 steals and 6 blocks.

We’re putting our money on the Timberwolves to win, and have the projected score sitting at 127-122. We also like them to cover the spread, so our recommendation is to bet on the Timberwolves at -4.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 221, and our model projects the Timberwolves and Hawks to reach a combined total of 249 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

Hawks Aim to Fix Turnover Troubles Against Timberwolves

The Atlanta Hawks will look to clean up their turnover woes when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night in the second contest of a four-game homestand. Both teams are eager to bounce back after recent struggles, with Atlanta on a three-game losing streak and Minnesota dropping two straight.

Turnovers Plaguing the Hawks

Atlanta’s turnover issues have been a major hurdle. The team ranks third-worst in the NBA, averaging 16.5 turnovers per game. This trend has worsened recently, with the Hawks committing 23 turnovers in a 133-126 overtime loss to San Antonio on Thursday and 25 in a 128-112 defeat against Memphis on Saturday.

Hawks coach Quin Snyder pointed to a lack of discipline and precision as key factors in the turnover spike.

“There were a lot of careless turnovers, just trying to get something quick and easy, as opposed to being disciplined and working a little harder,” Snyder said after Saturday’s loss.

The Hawks played without star guard Trae Young against Memphis due to a bruised right heel. Young’s league-leading 12.2 assists per game have been crucial to Atlanta’s offensive flow, and his absence was felt. His status for Monday remains uncertain.

Timberwolves Seek Offensive Cohesion

The Timberwolves have been battling inconsistency on the offensive end. Minnesota managed only 15 points in the first quarter and 37 in the first half of a 113-103 loss to Golden State on Saturday. The team is averaging 109.4 points per game, tied for 22nd in the league.

Anthony Edwards, Minnesota’s leading scorer at 25.6 points per game, voiced his frustration about the team’s offensive identity.

“We don’t have (anything) on offense. We don’t have no identity,” Edwards said. “We know I’m going to shoot a bunch of shots. We know (Julius Randle) is going to shoot a bunch of shots. And that’s all we know.”

Randle averages 20.1 points per game, while Naz Reid is the only other Timberwolves player in double figures at 12 points per game.

Key Players and Injuries

The Hawks’ offense has been effective when Young is available, with the team ranking eighth in the NBA at 116.4 points per game. Young leads Atlanta in scoring (21.6 ppg) and is supported by De’Andre Hunter (20.1 ppg) and Jalen Johnson (19.5 ppg).

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Atlanta remains without backup center Onyeka Okongwu, sidelined with left knee soreness. Minnesota is monitoring Luka Garza (ankle) and Joe Ingles (calf), who are day-to-day after missing Saturday’s game.

Matchup History

This marks the first meeting between the teams this season. They split their two matchups last year, with each team winning on its home court.

Outlook

The Hawks must prioritize ball security to avoid gifting extra possessions to Minnesota, while the Timberwolves need to address their offensive cohesion to capitalize on Atlanta’s defensive lapses. Both teams will be eager to reverse their recent fortunes in what promises to be a competitive matchup.