Hawks vs Hornets Odds & Predictions (Feb. 13)

Hawks vs Hornets Betting Analysis

The last meeting took place in Atlanta in late January, with the Hornets prevailing 122-118. It was their second victory in Atlanta this season, after they took the first meeting with the Hawks back in October. Since that January victory though, Charlotte has been in a major funk. They’ve dropped seven straight and nine of their last 11. Over the past seven games, they rank 29th in offensive rating, and 20th in their own end.

The Hornets have coughed up at least 118 points in six of their past seven outings, and have a minus-75 point differential during that stretch. They traded away Mason Plumlee at the deadline, leaving them extremely vulnerable on the defensive end.

NBA Bottom-5 Offensive Rating Ranks

Offensively, they’ve failed to exceed 105 points in two of their last three games, and enter play as the second worst shooting team in the NBA. Life won’t get any easier on Monday, as the Hawks boast an above average defense.

Atlanta ranks 11th in defensive rating, and are fresh off holding the Spurs and Suns below 107 points in back-to-back victories. At the other end of the court, there’s no shortage of offense, although the Hawks are banged up.

Young, the team’s leading scorer and playmaker is dealing with a shoulder injury. He’s expected to play versus Charlotte, but his running mates John Collins (hip) and Bogdan Bogdanovic (hip) might not be so lucky. Both are currently questionable, although they did suit up in Atlanta’s last outing.

Young is fresh off a 24 point, 17 assist effort versus San Antonio, and is averaging 28 points and 10 assists in three matchups against the Hornets so far. With Plumlee out, look for another big night from Clint Capela on the glass. Capela is averaging a team-high 11.5 rebounds per night, while Plumlee was the lone Charlotte big man who pulled down at least 6 boards per game.

Hawks vs Hornets Predictions

Capela should have his way with the Hornets front court on the offensive glass, which should lead to plenty of second chance opportunities. Even accounting for the potential extra offense, it’s hard to see this game getting to 240 points. The Hornets simply don’t have the firepower. Two of the three of the Charlotte-Atlanta matchups have come in well under 240 points, as have 10 of the Hornets past 11 games overall.

Charlotte has seen six of the seven contests during their recent skid fall short of the total, while the under has had trouble hitting in the Hawks recent outings as well. Atlanta is 3-1 to the under in their past four games, while just two of their past eight contests have hit 240 points.