The Washington Wizards (35-44) visit State Farm Arena Wednesday to take on the Atlanta Hawks (41-38). Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Wizards vs. Hawks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Wizards, who are eliminated from playoff and play-in tournament contention, are coming off a 132-114 road win over the Minnesota Timberwolves as 12-point underdogs.
Washington scored more than 30 points in each quarter. Three players scored over 20 points and seven were in double figures. The motivation is still there for a Wizards team that is 5-2 straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) over its last seven outings. Washington is 32-45-2 ATS this season.
The motivation will also be there for Atlanta as it is tied with the Brooklyn Nets for the play-in tournament but sits 9th due to a tiebreaker.
The Hawks are 5-1 ATS across their last six games but had a five-game cover streak snapped as they failed to cover a 4point spread in a 118-108 road loss to the Toronto Raptors Tuesday. Atlanta is led by G Trae Young, who is averaging 28.2 points and 9.7 assists per game.
Wizards at Hawks odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:45 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Wizards +440 (bet $100 to win $440) | Hawks -650 (bet $650 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Wizards +10.5 (-112) | Hawks -10.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 233.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
Wizards at Hawks key injuries
Wizards (not officially submitted)
- F Kyle Kuzma (knee) doubtful
Hawks (not officially submitted)
- F Danilo Gallinari (knee) questionable
- F John Collins (finger, foot) out
[tipico]
Wizards at Hawks odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Hawks 119, Wizards 115
Money line
PASS.
This money line doesn’t make much sense to play unless you like the Wizards. While they are coming off a big-time win over the Timberwolves, I still wouldn’t back them as the Hawks also have something to play for.
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Against the spread
BET the WIZARDS +10.5 (-110).
Washington proved against Minnesota that it is going to continue to compete at a high level despite being eliminated from contention. F Rui Hachimura has taken a step into the spotlight as the team’s top playmaker, averaging 16 points per game and shooting 52.5% over his last five outings.
The Hawks’ defense has been atrocious as of late, allowing 115 or more points in three of their last four games, and they’ll be down a key big man and scorer with Collins still sidelined.
Atlanta is giving high minutes to several players, having Young on the court for 37 minutes last night against Toronto. The Hawks are 5-10 ATS when playing on no rest, tied for the fourth-worst covering percentage without rest in the NBA.
While it’s hard to cap the motivation here, both teams should be primed to battle, and I expect a close result.
Over/Under
PASS with a lean to the Over 233.5 (-112).
This total is a little high for me to suggest playing, but both teams rank inside the top 10 in offensive rating over their last five games while also ranking outside the top 10 in defensive rating.
They also rank sixth (Hawks) and 17th (Wizards) in pace over that span as well. I’d prefer the Over, but I’d play Washington’s spread here.
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