The Phoenix Suns (30-26) and Atlanta Hawks (27-28) will go head-to-head Thursday night. The Hawks defeated the Suns by a final score of 132-100 in their first clash.
The Phoenix Suns standings’ placement has seen an uptick in recent action, as the Suns have won three games in a row. They will continue to climb the standings as a result of their reported acquisition of Kevin Durant. However, KD will not impact this specific game.
The Atlanta Hawks games this season have been difficult to predict. This is a team that has hovered around the .500 mark throughout the campaign with minimal consistency.
The Hawks’ NBA schedule is acting kind to them in this instance, as Phoenix will be short-handed after trading a number of players for KD.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM EST on Thursday, February 9th, at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, GA. Let’s take a look at the Suns vs Hawks prediction, analysis, and NBA odds for Thursday night.
Phoenix Suns vs. Atlanta Hawks Odds
Phoenix Suns vs. Atlanta Hawks Matchup Information
Phoenix Suns vs. Atlanta Hawks
Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Date and Time: Thursday, February 9th, 2023, 7:30 PM ET
How to Watch: BSSE, BSAZ
Recent Scores for Last Game
The Hawks defeated the Suns in their first matchup versus Phoenix. The victory over the Suns came in convincing fashion. Phoenix was unquestionably embarrassed at home.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see Atlanta emerge victorious once again at home despite the Suns’ recent string of success. Devin Booker’s final playing status will go a long way in determining the outcome for the game.
Here is a closer look at the game before sharing our official Suns vs Hawks prediction.
Phoenix Suns vs. Atlanta Hawks Analysis
Let’s take a look at the Suns and Hawks NBA team stats and NBA player stats.
This is one of those matchups that projects to come down to the wire. Atlanta and Phoenix both hold advantages in differing categories.
The Hawks are fifth in points per game and 11th in field goal percentage. Meanwhile, the Suns are 15th in points per game and 22nd in field goal percentage.
However, Phoenix is fifth in three-point percentage, and Atlanta is just 22nd. The Suns are also third in assists per game and ninth in rebounds per game, while the Hawks are 16th in assists per contest and 11th in rebounds per contest.
Atlanta is fourth in turnovers per game which will serve them well on Thursday, as the Suns are 14th.
Devin Booker and Trae Young lead their respective teams with an exact average of 26.8 points per game. Booker is also averaging over 5.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game, while Young has posted ten assists per game.
Phoenix will come into this game with confidence despite the circumstances. The excitement around the Kevin Durant trade may cause them to come out with plenty of energy.
It will be interesting to see if either of these teams make any more notable moves ahead of the deadline. Bettors should monitor possible trades, given their potential effect on the game.
Odds Breakdown
Phoenix Suns
Moneyline: +193
Spread: +5.50, +100
Over/Under: Over 229.5, -112
Atlanta Hawks
Moneyline: -236
Spread: -5.50, -117
Over/Under: Under 229.5, -104
Phoenix Suns vs. Atlanta Hawks Betting Pick and Prediction
Now that we have taken a look at the betting, it is now time to share our official Suns vs Hawks prediction and NBA expert picks.
Pick 1: Atlanta Hawks (Moneyline/outright)
Pick 2: Take the under on the total
Go ahead and roll with Atlanta, given the uncertainty around Phoenix. Betting on the Suns immediately after such an impactful trade is a risky proposition.
Taking the over on the total is also the best bet. Both of these offenses are capable, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see this contest turn into a low-scoring game.
In summary, take the under on the total and roll with the Hawks.
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