All streaks come to an end. The Atlanta Hawks’ 19-game win streak finally did when they hit a brick wall named Anthony Davis on Monday night. Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards are looking to end one streak of their own: three straight losses. Can the Wizards clinch a win against the East’s top team? Or will the Hawks rebound with a big win? Read on as we preview this key Eastern Conference clash.
Looking for more NBA action to tickle your basketball buds? Check out our complete previews for the Magic vs. Spurs and Thunder vs. Pelicans games.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Washington Wizards vs. Atlanta Hawks Preview
Where: Philips Arena, Atlanta
When: Wednesday, February 4, 7:30 PM ET
Line: Washington Wizards (+5.5) at Atlanta Hawks (-5.5); total 199.0 – view all NBA lines
Betting on the Washington Wizards
Bradley Beal had 18 points and a season-high 11 rebounds, and John Wall scored 14 with 10 assists as the Washington Wizards fell 92-88 to the Charlotte Hornets on Monday. Paul Pierce (11) and Kris Humphries (13) joined Beal and Wall as the only four Washington players to score in double digits.
[sc:NBA240banner ]Washington struggled offensively against the Hornets. The Wizards shot just 40 percent from the field, a performance in stark contrast to their second-ranked field goal percentage this season (47.4 percent). They may continue to struggle, especially at Atlanta, where visiting teams have shot just 43 percent this season.
Nevertheless, the Wizards have a game plan laid out for them following Atlanta’s loss to the Pelicans. If they can spread out their offense between inside shots from Nene, Marcin Gortat and Humpries and three-pointers from Pierce and Beal, then they can break apart the Hawks’ defense.
Hilario has struggled over the past five games due to an injured foot, while Humphries has contributed heavily in his absence. Humphries has averaged 12.6 points and 11.8 rebounds over the past five games. He should be able to challenge an Atlanta defense which has allowed 38.5 points in paint per home game this season.
While the Washington frontcourt draws Atlanta’s defense in, Pierce and Beal should be free to take open three-pointers. Pierce has averaged 44 percent from three-point range in his last four games, while Beal has hit 48 percent of his shots from downtown over his last five games.
The total has gone over in four of Washington’s last five games against Atlanta.
Betting on the Atlanta Hawks
Jeff Teague scored 21 points for the Atlanta Hawks, but could not carry his team past the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night. The Hawks suffered their first defeat since December 26, 2014.
The Eastern Conference-best Hawks will have a chance for a quick turnaround when they host the struggling Wizards. Atlanta has won four of its last five home games against the Wizards dating back to 2012. To add another one to the win column, the Hawks have to keep Washington on its heels from the start, much like they did in their 120-89 blowout of the Wiz on January 11.
Kyle Korver was the star of that game with 19 points on 6-of-8 shooting, including five three-pointers. Part of the Hawks’ success against Washington was their ability to spread their offense. Seven other Hawks scored in double figures, with Teague directing the flow of their offense, finishing with a game-high 10 assists.
Expect the Hawks to be more devastating now with Millsap and Horford averaging at least 15 points over their past five games. Meanwhile, Korver has been as hot as ever from downtown converting 61 percent of his three-point attempts over that five game stretch.
Writer’s Prediction
The Hawks (-5.5) take a big win over Washington. Create a betting account now and get your daily fix of exciting hoops action.
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