Hawks vs Thunder Betting Edge – Oklahoma City Will Roll Win Streak to Three Games
NBA Odds: Pick Thunder |
The Super Bowl odds are garnishing a lot of attention with the big game just a week away but there is still a lot of big games in the NBA before it kicks off. The Atlanta Hawks are in Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder in the second matchup between the teams in just two weeks. In the last meeting, Oklahoma City pulled out a close 94-91 victory in Atlanta and the will look to take the season series at home against a Hawks team that is just 11-11 on the road.
| What: NBA Betting |
| When: Tuesday February 2nd – 8:00pm ET |
| Where: Ford Center – Oklahoma City, OK |
| Key Stat: In their last meeting Kevin Durant was just 7-18 from the floor but sank 14-15 free throws for 29 points. |
The Storyline - Hawks vs Thunder betting odds breakdown
The Hawks sit one win out of second place in the Eastern Conference while the Thunder are a win out of Eighth in the West meaning a win is very big for either team. Atlanta is coming off of a big win against Boston on Friday and a tough loss to Orlando on Saturday. The Hawks are 13-4 against Western Conference teams and look to continue that trend against a Thunder team that was just 8-7 in January. Oklahoma City is part of a seven team race for the last four playoff spots in which all of the teams are separated by only two games.
Offensive Matchups – Hawks vs Thunder betting odds breakdown
Atlanta has been solid offensively all year long averaging almost 103 per game. Led by Joe Johnson, this team has the athleticism to score quickly off turnovers while still having the skill to score in the half court. Jamal Crawford was a great off season pickup and just might be heading towards a Sixth Man of the Year award as he is scoring 17 a game off the bench.
Online betting cappers should know that Oklahoma City is blessed with one of the best pure scorers in the game today. Kevin Durant is averaging 29.6 points per game, just a decimal point behind league leader Carmelo Anthony. During their last game, against Golden State, the 6’9” swingman went off for 45 points and 11 boards while shooting 16-21 from the floor, proving that he is always a danger to have a huge game. Since New Year’s, he is averaging 32.1 points and has scored over 30 in 11 of the 15 contests. He leads a young but talented group that includes PF Jeff Green and PG Russell Westbrook who are both scoring more than 14 a contest.
Betting Edge: Thunder
Defensive Matchups – Hawks vs Thunder betting odds breakdown
Atlanta is a solid defensive team that held the Thunder to 94 points in their last meeting earlier this month. Forward Josh Smith is the team leader at the defensive end and is the only player in the league to average 8.5 boards, 1.5 steals and over 2 blocks per game. With their length and athleticism, the Hawks are very capable of shutting players down and it will be Smith’s assignment to control one of the best scorers in Durant. Al Horford is the centerpiece of the frontcourt, averaging 9.6 boards and over a block a game, and was rewarded for his stellar play with his first trip to the All Star game.
Betting Edge: Thunder
Notable Injuries – vs Thunder betting odds breakdown
Atlanta is healthy and coming off two days of rest, both good signs while Oklahoma is ready as well with no notable injuries.
Betting Edge: Draw
Betting Prediction – Hawks vs Thunder betting odds breakdown
Atlanta will be in tough on the road against a Thunder team that matches up really well against them. Both are young and athletic teams who show a lot of hustle and it will make for another close game. Before taking advantage of the odds in the sportsbook, remember that the way the Thunder demolished Denver and held Golden State’s high powered offence to just 104 points, Oklahoma City has shown that it is one of the better teams in the league right now.
CRAIG’s Pick: Thunder
