The Atlanta Hawks did not become the best team in the East just by accident. The Hawks have earned that status with a string of impressive wins over some of the best competition out there. After starting the New Year on the road, the Hawks return home to meet another big-time contender in the Memphis Grizzlies.
Can the Grizz grind the high-flying Hawks’ run to a halt? Check out our preview below for more on this marquee matchup. For more excellent East-West matchups, find our preview of the new-look Cleveland Cavaliers against the Houston Rockets here.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Memphis Grizzlies vs. Atlanta Hawks Betting Preview
Where: Philips Arena, Atlanta
When: Wednesday, January 7, 7:30 PM ET
Line: Memphis Grizzlies (+3.5) at Atlanta Hawks (-3.5) – view all NBA lines
Betting on the Memphis Grizzlies
After an initial slide because of the injury to Zach Randolph, the Memphis Grizzlies have rebounded well to steady the ship. The Grizzlies have won four out of their last five games, with their lone loss a 114-85 blowout at Denver on the second night of a back-to-back.
[sc:NBA240banner ]On Monday, they handed the woeful Knicks yet another loss with an emphatic 105-83 win. Point guard Mike Conley continued his sterling play with 22 points on 9-of-12 from the field with seven rebounds and seven assists.
Conley has fueled the Grizzlies’ recent surge, averaging close to 24 points in their last four wins. Meanwhile, Marc Gasol has been his typically solid self, averaging about 20 points and nine rebounds in his last 10 games. The Grizzlies will need their stars to continue that type of production as they head back on the road.
A possible X-factor for the Grizz against a tough defensive team in Atlanta is the scoring of sixth man, Beno Udrih. The streaky Slovenian has had a habit of popping up with 15-plus point explosions off the bench every third game over the past couple of weeks. Beno last erupted with 16 points against the Lakers, which was two games ago.
Betting on the Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks have had quite the month. During the last 30 days, the Hawks have gone 15-2 (14-3 against the spread) to soar into the top of the Eastern Conference standings, with wins against multiple teams considered as major title contenders: the Bulls (at home), Mavs, Rockets, Blazers (on the road), Cavs and Clippers (one home and one on the road).
Point guard Jeff Teague even missed a handful of those games due to a hamstring injury, and has exploded since returning to the lineup. Teague is averaging 21.6 points and 7.2 assists while shooting 53 percent in his last five games. His wing man, Paul Millsap, has been just as good, with averages of 21.4 points, nine rebounds and 53 percent shooting during that stretch.
The Hawks have been a top-10 offense for most of the season (105.7 points per 100 possessions), but it has been the emergence of a suddenly stifling defense that has transformed them into an elite unit. Over the last 15 games, the Hawks have allowed just 97.5 points per 100 possessions, which is the best mark in the NBA during that time.
The Hawks are 14-3 at home this season, the third-best home mark in the NBA, but are just 7-7 against the spread.
Writer’s Prediction
The Hawks hold their home court for another big win. Take Atlanta to win and cover against Memphis. Create a betting account today cash in on one of the hottest and most profitable NBA teams around.
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