basketball | Wednesday, December 28, 2022 11:43 AM

Atlanta Hawks vs Brooklyn Nets Best Bet: Rolling With Nets

Sam Cox

Atlanta Hawks vs Brooklyn Nets Best Bet: Wednesday, December 28th

The 22-12 Brooklyn Nets are 5.5-point favourites over the 17-17 Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night. Brooklyn is on a 13-1 tear, having regrouped after various off-court chaos. Atlanta has gone 4-7 since December 2nd with their own dysfunction amid conflict between Trae Young and Nate McMillan and relentless trade rumours, particularly involving shooting big man John Collins.

Joe Harris, ruled out with a knee issue, and Seth Curry, questionable due to illness, are the only Nets on the injury report.

Clint Capela and Jarrett Culver were out for Atlanta’s Tuesday night loss to the Indiana Pacers and surely will not be available for this one. Young and De’Andre Hunter were day-to-day. The former suited up, scoring 22 points on 15 shots. The latter sat out.

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Atlanta Hawks vs Brooklyn Nets Preview
Atlanta Hawks vs Brooklyn Nets Best Bet

Atlanta Hawks vs Brooklyn Nets Preview

Thu, Dec 29. 00:40 (UK time)

Brooklyn’s season can be broken into distinct parts. Their 17-16-1 record against the spread does not tell the story of this team over the last month. In their nine-game winning streak, they have already beaten Atlanta, and five of their wins have come by an advantage of six or more points.

The Hawks are 13-20-1 against the spread on the season, and 3-5 with a rest disadvantage, as is the case here. They have covered in just 41.2% of their home games this season. Over this 11-game rut, Atlanta is 23rd in net rating, while being bottom 10 at both ends of the floor.

Brooklyn has a league-leading offence over that span, powered by Kevin Durant. Their defence, anchored by the improved play of Ben Simmons, is up to 11th. What the Nets have produced is finally around the level expected when they swung for and landed Durant and Kyrie Irving in free agency.

Rebounding was a major weakness for the Nets previously. They are a top 10 rebounding team across the previous 11 games. Atlanta has slumped to a bottom three team on the glass, which would previously have been an element of the game where they could outduel the Nets.

Atlanta Hawks vs Brooklyn Nets Best Bet

Rarely turning the ball over has been the Hawks’ biggest strength. Even that is nullified by the Nets’ individual offensive brilliance with Durant and Irving making them a potent halfcourt team (only two teams average more points per play in halfcourt situations).

It seems a matter of time before seismic change once again with the Hawks, either through the form of a head coaching hire or trade. Brooklyn have arrived at calmer waters of late, enabling them to realise their sky-high potential. With a rest disadvantage, it’s a surprise to see such a small spread in the Nets’ favour. They are comfortable on the road, and should cruise to yet another win here.