Atlanta Hawks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Prediction 12/23/19

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The Atlanta Hawks (6-24) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (8-21) battle at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The Hawks are 2-point underdogs and look to put an end to their seven-game losing streak. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 228.5 points and it can be seen on Fox Sports – Ohio at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, December 23, 2019.

Atlanta Hawks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers ATS Odds

The Cavaliers beat the Memphis Grizzlies in their last contest, 114-107, despite being 2.5-point underdogs. The Hawks, on the other hand, were beat by the Brooklyn Nets, 122-112, and were not able to cover as 7-point underdogs. The Cleveland game finished 1 point under the projected point total of 222, while the Atlanta game went 2 points over the projected point total of 232.

Cleveland dominated nearly every facet of the contest. They had a free throw rate of 0.185 (above their season average of 0.175) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 30.8 (above their season average of 23.6). For those same stats, Memphis was 0.049 and 18.5, respectively. Atlanta, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 7.9 (better than their season average of 14.4). Cleveland was lifted by Jordan Clarkson, who put up 33 points and six rebounds. Trae Young, meanwhile had a good game for Atlanta, finishing with 47 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

The Hawks took this series last year, taking two out of three contests. In the most recent matchup, Atlanta won 111-108. Atlanta out-rebounded Cleveland. The Hawks had 17 offensive rebounds and 53 total rebounds, while the Cavaliers had 10 and 44, respectively. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.

Vegas has a tendency to place the total low when the Hawks are involved, as 56.7 percent of their contests have gone over the projected point total. Atlanta heads into the contest with records of 6-24 straight up (SU) and 13-17 against the spread (ATS).

Unlike Atlanta, games involving the Cavaliers have typically gone under the total (55.2 percent). Additionally, Cleveland owns records of 8-21 SU and 11-16-2 ATS.

It could be a sloppy game for the Cleveland offense. Cleveland ranks 26th in the NBA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 15.0 percent), while the pesky defense of Atlanta forces the seventh-most turnovers in the NBA (14.7 percent). This contest should be a showdown of contrasting paces. The up-tempo Hawks rank second in possessions per game, while the more methodical Cavaliers rank 22nd.

Atlanta Hawks at Cleveland Cavaliers Free Pick

Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Cavaliers, ATS Winner – Cavaliers, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • The Hawks average 12.4 fast break points per game, which ranks 19th in the league. The Cavaliers rank 28th in fast break points allowed per game (15.9).
  • Atlanta averages 52.1 points in the paint per game, which ranks fourth in the NBA. Cleveland ranks 29th in points allowed in the paint per game (52.6).
  • The Cavaliers rank 10th in second chance points allowed per game (12.7) while the Hawks rank 26th (14.4).
  • Atlanta ranks 17th in blocks per game (4.8) while Cleveland ranks last in blocks allowed per game (6.9).
  • Atlanta ranks 18th in assists per game (23.3) while Cleveland ranks 28th (21.6).
  • The Hawks rank seventh in steals per game (8.3) while the Cavaliers rank 27th in steals allowed per game (8.7).
  • The Hawks rank 16th in points off turnovers per game (17.2) while the Cavaliers rank 29th (13.7).
  • Cleveland ranks seventh in rebounds allowed per game (43.8) while Atlanta ranks 25th (46.9).
  • Atlanta is 2-0 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Cleveland is 3-3.
  • The Hawks are 6-20 when they score above 100 points, while the Cavaliers are 8-12.
  • Atlanta is 5-11 ATS on the road, while Cleveland is 6-8-1 ATS at home.
  • In 16 road games, the Hawks have 12 overs and 4 unders.
  • The Cavaliers have 10 unders and 5 overs in 15 home games.

Bettings Trends:

  • In their last five games, Atlanta and Cleveland are both 2-3 ATS.
  • The Hawks have 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games, while the Cavaliers have 3 overs and 2 unders
  • During their last five games, the Hawks have scored an average of 106.8 points per game (1.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 117.4 points per game (1.1 below their season average).
  • The Cavaliers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.0, down from 9.4 for the season.