Atlanta Hawks vs. Utah Jazz Betting Preview
Where: Vivint Smart Home Arena, Salt Lake City
When: Friday, November 25, 2016, 8:00 PM ET
Line: Atlanta Hawks (+2.5) vs. Utah Jazz (-2.5); total: 195.5 – view all NBA lines
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Betting on the Atlanta Hawks (+2.5)
The Atlanta Hawks finally snapped their three-game losing skid with a 96-85 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Atlanta’s frontcourt totally dominated on Wednesday as the Hawks recorded their third consecutive win over the Pacers. Dwight Howard paced Atlanta with 23 points and 20 rebounds while Paul Millsap added 18 points and 11 boards. To further illustrate their superiority underneath the basket, Atlanta outscored Indiana, 48 to 34 in the paint, and 19 to 11 in second chance points. The Hawks also outrebounded the Pacers, 56 to 37.
They will need that same kind of play from their big men if they are to beat Utah tonight. The Jazz have been solid in defending the shaded area, allowing just 38.8 points in the paint per game this season. That’s third-best in the NBA this campaign. That being said, Atlanta can bank on its offensive efficiency to unlock that Utah defense. They shoot 46.9 percent from the field and average 24.6 assists per game this season. The Hawks rank among the top 5 NBA teams in both offensive categories.
The Hawks are 3-4 ATS on the road this season. They are pegged at +4,000 to win the 2017 NBA Championship.
Betting on the Utah Jazz (-2.5)
Welcome back George Hill! The Indianapolis native made a triumphant return to the starting lineup, leading the Jazz to a comfortable 108-83 victory over the Denver Nuggets. Hill scored 22 points in his return from an eight-game absence to help Utah snap its four-game losing streak. Hill was sorely missed by the Jazz as they went 3-5 during his injury layoff. He averaged 20.4 points and 4.9 assists in the first seven games of the season with Utah.
Things are bound to get, tougher, though, for Hill and the rest of the Jazz as standing in their way in their next game are the Atlanta Hawks. They have lost 12 of their last 14 games against Atlanta. The Hawks and the Jazz split the season series a year ago, with each team winning on the road. Atlanta edged past Utah, 91-84, in their last meeting at Salt Lake City on March 8 after rallying from a double-digit deficit in the first half.
For the Jazz to grab the much-needed victory tonight, they will need to continue their excellent play on the defensive end. They are tops in the NBA in scoring defense, allowing just 94.4 points per game this season. Gobert has been an integral part of that defense, recording 2.3 blocks per contest. He recorded his eighth double-double of the season in the win against Denver, nabbing 19 points and 13 rebounds.
The Jazz are 2-4 ATS at home this season. They are pegged at +6,000 to win the 2017 NBA Championship.
Writer’s Prediction
The Jazz (-2.5) edge past the Hawks, 98-93.
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