San Antonio Spurs vs Atlanta Hawks Picks and Predictions December 19th 2024

San Antonio Spurs vs Atlanta Hawks December 19th 2024

At 8:00 ET, the San Antonio Spurs (-125) will host the Atlanta Hawks (+105) in a non-conference matchup. The Spurs are favored by 1.5 points, and the over/under line is set at 233.5.

This game will be played at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, and it can be seen on FDSS.

Hawks vs. Spurs Key Information

The Hawks fell to 14-13 on the season after a 110-102 road loss to the Bucks on Saturday. Atlanta, who entered the game as +3.5 point underdogs, failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game came in at 212, well below the pre-game line of 233.

Milwaukee’s 12-0 run in the 2nd quarter was a turning point, but Atlanta battled back to take an 83-82 lead into the 4th. However, the Hawks were outscored 28-19 in the final period, leading to the loss.

Trae Young was the standout performer for the Hawks in their 110-102 loss to the Bucks, finishing with 35 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds. He shot 50% from the field and hit 3 threes at a 60% clip. Young scored 14 points in the 3rd quarter and added 9 more in the 4th.

As a team, the Hawks struggled offensively, shooting 42.7% from the field and making just 10 threes. However, they did connect on 41.7% of their attempts from beyond the arc. Jalen Johnson and De’Andre Hunter both contributed 15 points, with Hunter also hitting 3 threes at 50% efficiency.

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Defensively, the Hawks held the Bucks to 110 points, with Milwaukee scoring 26 in the 1st, 29 in the 2nd, 27 in the 3rd, and 28 in the 4th. The Bucks shot 45% from the field.

Atlanta did well defending the three, allowing just 14 made threes on 31% shooting. The Hawks sent the Bucks to the line 27 times, where they hit 18 free throws. Atlanta grabbed 37 defensive rebounds, giving up 6 offensive boards, and added 6 blocks.

The Spurs fell to 13-13 on the season after a 106-92 home loss to the Timberwolves on Sunday. San Antonio entered the game as +4.5 point underdogs but failed to cover the spread. The game’s total of 198 points came in well under the 214.5-point line.

San Antonio struggled early, as Minnesota went on an 11-0 run to break a 14-14 tie. The Spurs fought back in the 3rd quarter, outscoring the Timberwolves 33-24, but they couldn’t complete the comeback, as Minnesota pulled away in the 4th quarter, outscoring the Spurs 30-22.

In their 106-92 loss to the Timberwolves, the Spurs struggled offensively, shooting just 40.7% from the field and 24.4% from three-point range, hitting only 11 threes. Victor Wembanyama led the way with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists, shooting 40% from the floor.

Jeremy Sochan and Harrison Barnes each added 17 points, with Sochan shooting 70% and Barnes hitting 4 threes at a 57.1% clip. Barnes scored 13 of his points in the 3rd quarter, while Wembanyama had 9 points in the 2nd.

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The Spurs put together a solid defensive effort on Sunday, holding the Timberwolves to 106 points on 40% shooting. San Antonio gave up 28 points in the 1st quarter but tightened up in the 2nd and 3rd, allowing just 24 points in each. The Timberwolves scored 30 in the 4th, but the Spurs still managed to keep them in check from beyond the arc, where Minnesota shot 34% and made 12 threes.

San Antonio sent the Timberwolves to the line 16 times, where they hit 14 free throws. The Spurs grabbed 38 defensive rebounds but allowed 14 offensive boards. They also contributed 6 steals and 8 blocks in the game.

The Spurs is our pick to not only win with a projected score of 153-122. But we also favor them to cover the spread. Our bet is on the Spurs at -1.5.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 233.5, and our model predicts the Hawks and Spurs to score a combined 275 points. We recommend betting on the over.

Hawks Look to Build on NBA Cup Momentum Against Spurs

The Atlanta Hawks are set to visit the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night, hoping to carry forward the momentum from their strong showing in the NBA Cup. Both teams are coming off multi-day breaks and looking to establish consistency in an unpredictable season.

Hawks Riding NBA Cup Experience

The Hawks made a deep run in the inaugural NBA Cup, advancing to the semifinals before falling to the eventual champions, the Milwaukee Bucks, 110-102. Trae Young delivered a standout performance in the loss, recording a 35-point, 10-assist double-double, just three rebounds shy of a triple-double.

Despite the setback, Atlanta has shown significant improvement after a slow 2-4 start to the season. The Hawks went on a six-game winning streak and now sit at 13-8, with head coach Quin Snyder praising the team’s growth:

“We were so banged up early, but we stuck together and began to develop a kind of identity,” Snyder said. “The common denominator for us is that we were really competitive.”

Young, Atlanta’s leading scorer and playmaker, has also made strides on the defensive end, earning praise from Snyder and his teammates.

“He’s evolving as a player,” Snyder added. “We’re asking him to do (more). It’s more about him defending, leading the team, creating offense for other players, pushing the ball. As the season goes on, I think his scoring efficiency will catch up.”

The four-day break following the NBA Cup gives the Hawks their longest rest period outside of the All-Star break, providing time for recovery and preparation.

Spurs Seek Consistency Amid Challenges

The San Antonio Spurs (13-13) return home after a 106-92 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, which snapped a two-game winning streak. Despite the defeat, Victor Wembanyama continued to impress, posting a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double while playing through a sore back.

Spurs forward Harrison Barnes expressed confidence in the team’s development:
“We’re confident with what we’re doing and where we’re at. I think we’re developing continuity, and guys are getting healthy. I don’t think there’s any concern from the group at all.”

San Antonio has been navigating the absence of head coach Gregg Popovich, who has been away since early November due to a minor stroke. Acting coach Mitch Johnson has led the Spurs to an 11-10 record in Popovich’s absence.

Popovich released a statement earlier this week, providing an encouraging update on his recovery:
“No one is more excited to see me return to the bench than the talented individuals who have been leading my rehabilitation process. They’ve quickly learned that I’m less than coachable.”

The Spurs face a challenging schedule following Thursday’s game, with nine of their next 11 contests on the road.

Key Matchups

Trae Young vs. Victor Wembanyama

While they play different positions, Young and Wembanyama are the focal points of their respective teams. Young’s playmaking and shooting will test the Spurs’ defense, while Wembanyama’s length and versatility can disrupt the Hawks’ rhythm.

Hawks’ Backcourt vs. Spurs’ Perimeter Defense

The Hawks’ backcourt, led by Young and Dejounte Murray, will look to exploit the Spurs’ inconsistent perimeter defense. Atlanta’s ability to knock down shots from deep could dictate the game’s tempo.

Spurs’ Frontcourt vs. Clint Capela

Wembanyama and the Spurs’ big men will have their hands full with Clint Capela, who anchors the Hawks’ interior defense and provides second-chance opportunities on offense.

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What’s at Stake

For the Hawks, this game offers a chance to build on their recent success and establish themselves as a legitimate contender in the East. A win would reinforce their identity as a team that competes hard and executes well.

For the Spurs, this matchup is an opportunity to rebound from their loss to Minnesota and prove they can compete with playoff-caliber teams. With a challenging road-heavy schedule ahead, a win at home would be a morale booster.

The Bottom Line

The Hawks enter the game with momentum from their NBA Cup run, while the Spurs are seeking stability amid injury and coaching challenges. The clash between Trae Young’s leadership and Victor Wembanyama’s rising stardom adds intrigue to this interconference battle.

Will the Hawks capitalize on their form, or can the Spurs protect their home court and reset their season? All signs point to an exciting and competitive matchup in San Antonio.