NBA Predictions: Can Hawks keep up with LeBron, Cavaliers? 12/12/17

Hawks vs. Cavaliers Pick

Are the Atlanta Hawks going to make it a competitive game tonight when they play at the Cleveland Cavaliers? Game time is 7PM ET.

According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, the Cavaliers are an 11.5-point favorite on the spread line. The over-under is set at 217 points.

Atlanta comes in at 6-20 overall and 13-12-1 ATS after a 111-107 loss at the Hawks. Cleveland is 19-8 overall and 10-16-1 ATS following a 105-98 home victory over the 76ers. The two meetings this season have been split 1-1 straight up, while the Hawks are 2-0 ATS. The over is 2-0. The Hawks are 4-2 straight up and 5-1 ATS in seven meetings since the start of last season. The over is 6-0.

In the loss at New York, Dennis Schroder led the way with 21 points and three rebounds. Ersan Ilyasova accounted for 20 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocked shots. Taurean Prince added 17 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Atlanta was outscored 60-54 in the second half.

LeBron James registered his 58th career triple-double in the win against Philadelphia as he registered 30 points, 13 rebounds, 13 assists and three steals. His usage rate increased due to the absence of Kevin Love (hip) from the lineup. Love is questionable tonight. Jeff Green tallied 13 points, six rebounds and two steals off the bench. Dwyane Wade contributed 13 points and four assists as a reserve. Kyle Korver added 13 points and two assists off the bench. Cleveland led 52-46 at halftime and connected on 14-of-29 from 3-point range, while holding the Sixers to 11-of-33.

The over is 23-8 in the last 31 meetings. Atlanta is 5-0 ATS in its last five games following a straight up loss.

Bet on Hawks vs. Cavaliers

Atlanta has had good success the last couple seasons against Cleveland, which is surely something that LeBron would like to put a stop to immediately. The Cavs won the last meeting 121-114 in Atlanta on Nov. 30, which was a bit of revenge after the Hawks stunned host Cleveland 117-115 back on Nov. 5. With the way the Cavaliers have been playing in recent weeks, it is hard to see this game staying close. Love's availability is key, but LeBron is playing some of the best basketball of his life right now and is fully capable of being a one-man wrecking crew on any given night.

 

NBA DAILY PREDICTION: CLEVELAND CAVALIERS -11.5