Charlotte Hornets vs Atlanta Hawks Picks and Predictions November 30th 2024

Charlotte Hornets vs Atlanta Hawks November 30th 2024

Today at 6:00 ET, the Charlotte Hornets (6-13) will host the Atlanta Hawks (9-11) in a Southeast Division matchup. The Hawks are currently favored by 3.5 points and have won two straight games, while the Hornets have lost four in a row.

This game will be played at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte and can be seen on FDSS. The over/under line for this game is currently sitting at 227.5 points.

Hawks vs. Hornets Key Information

The Hawks improved to 9-11 on the season with a 117-101 win over the Cavaliers on Friday. Atlanta, who were +5.5 point underdogs, not only won but covered the spread at home. The game’s total of 218 points fell well short of the 243.5-point line.

After a tight first half, the Hawks broke the game open by outscoring the Cavs 39-23 in the 3rd quarter. They entered the 4th with a 91-73 lead and held on, despite being outscored 28-26 in the final period.

De’Andre Hunter led the Hawks with 23 points and 4 threes, shooting 58.3% from the field and 57.1% from deep in their win over the Cavaliers. Trae Young added 21 points and 11 assists, while Jalen Johnson contributed 20 points and 9 rebounds, hitting 64.3% of his shots.

Atlanta shot 51.8% from the field and 41.2% from three, making 14 threes in the game. Hunter scored 10 points in the 2nd quarter, while Young and Johnson each added 7 points in the 4th. Onyeka Okongwu also had a strong 3rd quarter, scoring 8 of his 15 points.

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The Hawks put together a strong defensive performance, holding the Cavaliers to just 101 points on 40% shooting. Atlanta was particularly effective in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, where they allowed only 23 points in each. The Hawks also did well in limiting Cleveland’s three-point shooting, giving up just 11 made threes on 28% shooting.

Atlanta sent Cleveland to the line 17 times, where the Cavaliers converted 14 free throws. On the boards, the Hawks grabbed 43 defensive rebounds while allowing 11 offensive boards. They also contributed 9 steals and 5 blocks in the game.

Charlotte fell to 6-13 on the season after a narrow 99-98 home loss to the Knicks on Friday. Despite being +12.5 point underdogs, the Hornets kept it close, covering the spread. The game’s total of 197 points was well under the 220-point line.

Charlotte started strong, leading 23-15 after the 1st quarter, but the Knicks went on a 10-0 run, extending their lead from 45-38 to 55-38. The Hornets battled back to take a 72-71 lead into the 4th quarter, but the Knicks edged them out 28-26 in the final period.

Brandon Miller led the Hornets with 20 points, despite shooting just 28% from the field and 18.2% from three-point range in their 99-98 loss to the Knicks. Josh Green added 15 points, and Tidjane Salaün contributed 14, hitting 4 threes at a 40% clip.

As a team, the Hornets connected on 15 threes, shooting 31.9% from beyond the arc and 40.4% overall. Salaün scored 8 points in the 1st quarter, while Miller added 8 in the 3rd.

Despite a strong defensive effort, the Hornets couldn’t pull out the win against the Knicks, allowing 99 points. They held New York to just 15 points in the 1st quarter but gave up 31 in the 2nd. The Hornets allowed 25 points in the 3rd and 28 in the 4th.

Charlotte limited the Knicks to 12 made threes on 37% shooting. New York went 15/19 from the free-throw line. The Hornets finished with 25 defensive rebounds, gave up 12 offensive boards, and added 8 steals and 6 blocks.

For today’s matchup we are recommending to take the Hawks to secure the win, with an expected final score of 140-116. When it comes to the spread, we believe they’ll cover at -3.5.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 227.5 and our model has the Hawks and Hornets finishing with a combined 256 points. Our pick is to take the over.

Hornets Hope to Have LaMelo Ball Back Against Surging Hawks

Hawks Riding Momentum, Hornets Battling Adversity

The Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets are navigating roster challenges differently as they prepare to face off Saturday night in Charlotte. While the Hawks are leveraging their depth during a winning stretch, the Hornets are struggling to find consistency amid injuries to key players.

Charlotte has dropped four straight games and six of its last seven. On Friday night, they narrowly lost 99-98 to the New York Knicks without their top scorer, LaMelo Ball, who was sidelined with a sore calf. The Hornets are hopeful he can return to action on Saturday.

“A lot of optimism from me in terms of potentially getting guys back,” said Hornets coach Charles Lee. “We’ve shown that, no matter who is available, we continue to play the right way.”

Hawks Clicking After Defensive Showcase

The Hawks (10-7) are coming off a 117-101 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, marking their second consecutive win following a three-game losing streak. Atlanta’s defense shined in the third quarter, allowing just 16 points, and De’Andre Hunter provided a spark with 23 points off the bench.

“I don’t think he gets enough credit for the little things he does,” Hawks coach Quin Snyder said of Hunter. “He’s a guy I feel lucky to coach.”

Trae Young also played a pivotal role, scoring 20 points to go with nine assists. Atlanta had three players reach the 20-point mark, showcasing its offensive balance.

Hornets Short-Handed but Fighting Hard

Charlotte (5-13) showed resilience against the Knicks despite missing several key contributors. Ball’s absence loomed large, as he is averaging 31.1 points and 6.9 assists per game. Forward Miles Bridges (knee bruise) and reserve Tre Mann (back ailment) were also unavailable.

Rookie Brandon Miller stepped up with 20 points, while KJ Simpson provided 11 points in a season-high 16 minutes off the bench.

“He was really engaged, brought a physicality with him, another level of competitiveness,” Lee said of Simpson. “Offensively, I thought he did a great job of making the Knicks have to honor him.”

Despite their injury woes, the Hornets flashed defensive potential, allowing just 15 points in the first quarter — their best defensive quarter of the season.

Previous Meeting Sets Stage for Rematch

The Hawks and Hornets last met on Oct. 25 in Atlanta, with the Hawks securing a 125-120 victory. Ball scored 34 points on a career-high nine 3-pointers but committed 10 turnovers, which proved costly. Young countered with 38 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds, helping Atlanta overcome Charlotte’s explosive 42-point second quarter.

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The Hornets will need a full team effort to slow down Young and the Hawks, particularly if Ball remains sidelined.

What’s at Stake

The Hawks look to maintain momentum as they climb the Eastern Conference standings, while the Hornets aim to break out of their slump and rediscover their rhythm. Charlotte’s ability to compete depends heavily on the health of their star players, and Ball’s potential return could be a game-changer.

With both teams coming off Friday night games, depth and energy management will be key factors in Saturday’s showdown.