Washington Wizards vs. Atlanta Hawks Predictions, Picks and Preview – 2017 NBA Playoffs – Eastern Conference First Round Game Four

Washington Wizards vs. Atlanta Hawks Game 4 Preview

Where: Philips Arena – Atlanta, GA

When: Monday, April 24, 2017, 8:00 PM ET

Line: Washington Wizards (+2.5) vs Atlanta Hawks (-2.5) – Total: 211.5 – view all NBA lines

TV Broadcast: TNT

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Betting on the Washington Wizards (+120)

Point spread: +2.5

John Wall was the lone bright spot for the Wizards in Game 3, finishing with 29 points, four rebounds and seven assists—along with this sweet behind-the-back hammer in the first quarter.

Speaking of which, the opening period was where the Washington dug its grave. It failed to match the aggression, energy and overall intensity of the Hawks, who eventually marched its way to a 116-98 win to pull within 2-1 in this first-round series.

Bradley Beal mostly shot bricks in the loss, mustering just 12 points on an unacceptable 6-of-20 shooting from the field. Prior to that, he scored 22 and 31 markers in the first two games.

Overall, the Wizards need to come out with a better defensive game plan, especially on how to hold off Atlanta from going on another fiery start. And of course, the aforementioned Beal needs to bounce back and help out Wall in carrying the offense.

Betting on the Atlanta Hawks (-140)

Point Spread: -2.5

The Hawks pounded their way to a dominant 116-98 win in Game 3 via a sizzling start in the first quarter, where they outscored the Wizards by 18 points. Atlanta never looked back after that.

Paul Millsap and Dennis Schroder were the leading protagonists in the blowout, scoring 29 and 27 points, respectively. The former added 14 rebounds and five dimes to his name, while Schroder also dished out a game-high nine assists.

Further boosting the offense was the consistent play from rookie Taurean Prince, who is averaging 14.0 points and 4.7 rebounds in this series.

Ultimately, the Hawks’ offense was so successful because of their unselfishness with the rock. They collected 26 assists in total, which is 10 more compared to Washington. Atlanta also picked it up on defense with 16 forced turnovers and held the Wizards to just a 24.1 shooting percentage from beyond the arc.

Now the question is: Can the Hawks replicate this solid effort in Game 4?

Writer’s Prediction

Hawks (-2.5) win (and cover) to even this series at 2-2.

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