The Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers open a home-and-away series on Wednesday. Atlanta, coming off a 108-105 loss to the New York Knicks on Monday, hopes to bounce back with a crucial win. The Hawks (45-34) are still going all in for an outright playoff spot.
Meanwhile, the Cavs (50-29) are already assured of a postseason ticket, but they hope to overtake the New York Knicks for the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. After beating the Memphis Grizzlies 142-126 on Monday, Donovan Mitchell and Co. are just one game behind the Knicks (51-28).
Atlanta Hawks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Odds
Moneyline: Hawks (+105) vs. Cavaliers (-120)
Odds: Hawks (+1.5 -111) vs. Cavaliers (-1.5 -109)
Total (O/U): Hawks (o235.5 -115) vs. Cavaliers (u235.5 -107)
Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game.
Atlanta Hawks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Reports
Hawks Injury Reports
Hawks backup center Jock Landale remains out as he continues to recover from a right high ankle sprain. Keshon Gilbert and RayJ Dennis will not accompany the team due to their G League assignments.
Cavaliers Injury Reports
Thomas Bryant is out due to a left calf strain. Donovan Mitchell (ankle), Jaylon Tyson (toe) and Dean Wade (ankle) are all questionable. The trio, who didn’t play in the Cavs’ dominant win over the Grizzlies, could return for the marquee matchup against the Hawks.
Atlanta Hawks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Starting Lineups
Hawks
PG: CJ McCollum | SG: Dyson Daniels | SG: Nickeil Alexander-Walker | PF: Jalen Johnson | C: Onyeka Okongwu
Cavaliers
PG: James Harden | SG: Donovan Mitchell | SG: Max Strus | PF: Evan Mobley | C: Jarrett Allen
Hawks vs Cavaliers Prediction
The Hawks and the Cavaliers were much different teams when they last met, making this matchup quite intriguing. Multiple key contributors from both teams played for different teams when they squared off in November.
Atlanta has arguably been the best Eastern Conference team since making major changes before the trade deadline. The Hawks are also looking to earn an outright playoff berth, so they have more incentive to win than the Cavs, who are postseason-bound already.
Expect the Hawks, 18-3 since Feb. 21, to win and move closer to a guaranteed playoff appearance.
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