The Washington Wizards and Atlanta Hawks were considered to be two very evenly matched teams ahead of their first-round series, but the Wiz were clearly the better squad in Game 1 of their best-of-seven set after winning 114-107 while covering as 5.5-point chalk. John Wall and company will attempt to assert their dominance once again when Game 2 gets underway in D.C. tonight. Sportsbooks opened the Hawks as 5-point underdogs with a total of 210.5.
- The Hawks are 2-8 SU in their last 10 games on the road.
- The Wizards are 25-5 SU in their last 30 games at home.
- The Hawks are 0-4 SU and 1-3 ATS in their last four games against the Wizards.
Despite sending the Hawks to the line 39 times, the Wizards pulled off the victory in a physical battle which caused Paul Millsap to say the Wiz were “playing MMA.” Washington collected 69 second-half points in the win.
Atlanta’s biggest issue was turning the ball over in the series opener, as the Hawks committed 21 turnovers and allowed 25 fast-break points in the setback. Seventeen of those came in the first half, which means another slow start could translate to more pain for Hawks backers who are banking on underdog value.
All-star point guard John Wall was fantastic, scoring a playoff career-high 32 points to go along with 14 assists for the Wizards. Power forward Markieff Morris joined Wall by pouring in 21 points and four blocks.
The OVER paid out in Game 1, and that’s been a major trend in Wizards games of late. The OVER has gone 17-7 in the Wizards’ last 24 games.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Washington Wizards opened as -6-point favorites at online sportsbook Sportsbook, while the NBA total line was sitting around 212 at Sportsbook for those who prefer OVER/UNDER betting on the total amount of points scored.
Handicapping prediction models run by the computers at Odds Shark pick a 110-105 result in favor of the Wizards. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NBA matchups here.
Atlanta Hawks vs Washington Wizards Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Atlanta Hawks will try to spoil the party on Wednesday; they are 39-44 ATS against the betting spread this NBA season, while the Washington Wizards are 43-39-1 ATS. Atlanta is 33-48-2 vs the betting total points scored; Washington is 51-31-1. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Washington vs Atlanta injuries news.
The Washington Wizards sit at No. 13 in the current NBA Power Rankings here at Odds Shark, while the Atlanta Hawks are at No. 23 on that betting chart.
Statistical Matchup
In rebounding, the battle of the boards features Washington's No. 23-rated NBA squad against Atlanta's No. 9-rated roster. When it comes to long-range shooting, Washington rates No. 16 in the league with 9.2 per game, while their foes tonight rank No. 20 with 8.87 per outing.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Hawks got 25 points from Dennis Schroder, but it was Washington that prevailed in a 114-107 final on Sunday at Verizon Center.
- Atlanta is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
- Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
- The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Atlanta's last 16 games
- Washington is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
- Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
- The total has gone OVER in 17 of Washington's last 24 games
- Washington is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Atlanta home to Washington, Saturday, April 22nd
