Atlanta Hawks vs
Chicago BullsPredictions & Preview

Atlanta Hawks to face Chicago Bulls in do-or-die Play-In Tournament game, loser faces early exit

The Atlanta Hawks are set to face the Chicago Bulls in an elimination Play-In Tournament game on Wednesday night, with the loser facing an early exit from the season. The winner will advance to face the loser of the Heat/Sixers game. The game is scheduled to tip off at 9:30 PM EST, with Chicago opening as the betting favorite at -3. The line has not moved leading up to the matchup.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Hawks +132 | Bulls -155
• Spread: Hawks +3 (-110) | Bulls -3 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 221 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Chicago will win straight-up is 61%.

Atlanta vs Chicago Stats

Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks are entering the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament as the 10th seed with a record of 36-36. Despite finishing the season with six straight losses and 15-26 on the road, they will have All-Star point guard Trae Young back for the playoffs. Young missed 28 games during the regular season but the team went 14-14 without him. This will be the Hawks' third straight trip to the Play-In Tournament where they have a perfect 3-0 record. They are ranked fifth in scoring but struggle defensively, ranking near the bottom in several categories. Key injuries include PF Onyeka Okongwu, SF Jalen Johnson, and SF Saddiq Bey. G Seth Lundy and SF Wesley Matthews are game-time decisions. With a power ranking of 18, the Hawks are 36-46 this season, #27 in defense, and #5 in offense. They are solid in shooting percentages and rebounding categories but struggle with turnovers and defensive stats. More picks for the NBA can be found for those interested.

Chicago Bulls Analysis

The Chicago Bulls are aiming to advance past the Play-In Tournament this season after falling short last year. Despite finishing the season with a record of 39-43, the team has faced challenges with injuries, including losing forward Zach LaVine for the season. Led by veteran forward DeMar DeRozan, the Bulls are looking to secure a win in the Play-In finale against Atlanta. The team ranked 20th in power rankings and 22nd in offense this season, with key players like Coby White and Nic Vucevic contributing to their on-court performance. The Bulls have shown strength in areas such as turnovers and free throws but have room for improvement in defensive statistics. Key players like Ayo Dosunmu, Andre Drummond, and Julian Phillips are game-time decisions due to injuries. The team's performance in their last matchup against Atlanta was competitive, with both teams showing strong offensive capabilities.

Hawks poised to capitalize on Bulls' defensive weakness in upcoming matchup

The upcoming matchup between the Bulls and the Hawks presents a challenging situation for the Bulls. The Bulls have proven to be solid defenders, ranking 16th or higher in major defensive categories. However, their offensive performance falls below average. The Hawks could pose a significant threat if they are successful in shooting well, especially from beyond the arc. Chicago's weak spot is their defense against 3-point field goals, as they rank 29th in the league in this category, while the Hawks excel at making 3-pointers, ranking sixth in the NBA. With Young back in the lineup and performing well, the Bulls may face difficulties throughout the game. Despite missing key players like Bay and Johnson, the Hawks have a strong offensive duo in Young and Murray that could overpower the Bulls. The absence of LaVine and Williams further weakens the Bulls' athleticism and rebounding capabilities against the Hawks, who excel in rebounding. Considering these factors, I predict that the Hawks will secure a victory on the road. I recommend taking Atlanta +3.5 for this game.

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