The San Antonio Spurs dealt the East-leading Atlanta Hawks one of their 16 losses this season. But that was way back at the start of the season, and in San Antonio. Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer has since transformed his team into the Spurs of the East, and a real force at home. After a brutal road trip, Atlanta returns home hell-bent on snapping a rare losing skid.
Can Coach Budz and the Hawks put one over on his old team? Read on below as we preview this big-time NBA Sunday showdown. For more weekend hoops action, check out our preview of the Pelicans vs. Clippers.
[sc:NBAArticles ]San Antonio Spurs vs. Atlanta Hawks Betting Preview
Where: Philips Arena, Atlanta
When: Sunday, March 22, 3:00 PM ET
Line: San Antonio Spurs (+2) at Atlanta Hawks (-2); total 203.0 – view all NBA lines
Betting on the San Antonio Spurs
Aside from two disappointing overtime losses to the Cavs and Knicks in a span of three games, it’s been an extremely good month thus far for the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs have gone 7-2 (6-3 against the spread) in March, with six of the seven wins by double-figures.
[sc:NBA240banner ]Kawhi Leonard’s continued resurgence has been a big key to the Spurs’ streak. Leonard led the team with 22 points in their most recent 101-89 win over the Celtics on Friday. Leonard is averaging close to 20 points on 53 percent shooting, with seven rebounds and three steals this month. Veteran point guard Tony Parker has arguably been even better, with 21 points on a sizzling 59 percent shooting in March.
With those two stars finally firing on all cylinders, the Spurs’ offense has been purring along just nicely. They’re averaging 114.5 points per 100 possessions in the last nine games, second-best in the NBA during that stretch.
That Spurs attack could do more damage against a Hawks defense that had slipped off in the tail end of their brutal road trip. Atlanta gave up 114 and 115 points to the Warriors (without Klay Thompson) and Thunder (without Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka), respectively.
The Spurs themselves match up well defensively against the Hawks. If Leonard can hold his own against LeBron James, he can definitely do a similar job on Hawks power forward Paul Millsap. Meanwhile, Danny Green should have a much easier time shadowing Kent Bazemore or Dennis Schroeder around the perimeter than he would Kyle Korver, who’s still questionable to play due to a broken nose.
Betting on the Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks must be so happy to be back home after finishing up a grueling six-game Western Conference road trip. The Hawks went just 3-3 (straight up and against the spread) in the six games, including back-to-back losses to the Warriors (114-95) and Thunder (123-115) to end the road trip.
The absence of Korver, who’s missed the last three games because of a broken nose, has definitely had an impact on both ends of the court. Bazemore and Schroder have their qualities – Schroder put up 21 points off the bench against the Thunder – but neither can quite make up for the spacing Korver provides with the threat of his shooting, or his size and discipline on defense.
Point guard Jeff Teague will need to up his play against the Spurs if Korver still can’t go. But his game has suffered with Korver out of the lineup as defenses have packed the paint to clog up Teague’s driving lanes. Teague totaled just 23 points and five assists in two games against Golden State and OKC.
The Hawks could also benefit from Al Horford breaking out with a big game. Horford was given the night off in their win over the Kings, but has recorded just 18 total points in his two games back. Horford has been a much more effective offensive player at home, though. He’s averaging 18 points per game in his last four at the Philips Arena.
The Hawks own the second-best home record in the NBA at 30-4. They’ve won 18 of their last 20, but have gone just 12-8 against the spread.
Writer’s Prediction
The Spurs (+2) have too much firepower as they hand the Hawks a rare home loss. Create a betting account now and earn big by wagering on the NBA’s dangerous road underdogs.
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