Suns vs Hawks Odds: Can Phoenix Finally Win in Atlanta?
Suns are Heating Up as Hawks Continue to Struggle
Suns Favored By Over a Possession in Atlanta
Phoenix is the slight favorite as it visits Atlanta, a place where it has struggled over the last five years. The Suns are 0-5 against the spread (ATS) in their last five trips. However, a 3.5-point spread on the Suns vs Hawks odds is not a surfeit. Phoenix could finally get over Atlanta as it remains one of the worst defensive teams with an ATS record to match: 5-18 at home.
Suns vs Hawks
Date, time:
Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Streaming: Live Sports Stream
The Spotlight is on the Consistently Crappy Hawks ‘D’
No need to mince words. Atlanta has the 27th-ranked defensive rating (119.6) in the league. The three teams below them have a combined 25-115 record. At home, Atlanta gives up an astounding 124.6 points per game. Opponents shooting 50.5% from the field and 40.3% from 3-points.
That’s why 15 of the Hawks’ 23 home games have all gone over the total. Even with the Suns vs Hawks odds opening with a high total of 245 points, early bettors pushed this up to 247 where it stands now. Totals of 240+ have gone over 10 out of 15 times for Atlanta’s games.
However, Atlanta did get back forward De’Andre Hunter after a 19-game absence. He is one of Atlanta’s best defenders and may just help the team in this area.
“It was great having Dre back, he is a big piece of our team.,” head coach Quin Snyder said. “He is probably our best defender on the ball, his strength and size, he brings a lot to our team.”
Hunter’s versatility could help Atlanta as an NBA pick today. The Suns are just 1-5 ATS as a home underdog this season. With Hunter, the Hawks are 12-13. But we won’t move the needle on the Suns vs Hawks odds just yet.
Kevin Durant tends to light up the Hawks when Hunter players. The four-time scoring champion averages a whopping 36 points on 56.4% shooting. Phoenix has scored 130+ in three of its five games during this road trip so far and this trend could continue.
Suns Shining on the Road
Phoenix has been playing most of its recent games on the road. That’s likely why the team has been chugging along just fine. The Suns have won six of its last eight road games. And other than a hiccup against Orlando, which was the first game of a back-to-back, the Suns have been bankable. Thus, -3.5 points is nice Suns vs Hawks odds.
Of course, Phoenix will have to try and outscore the potent Hawks. While the Suns have the “Big Three” of Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, the Hawks have a history of burning Phoenix. Atlanta has averaged 123.6 points in its last five games hosting Phoenix. It won every game.
Phoenix’s defensive rating of 117.3 in its last nine road games is just 16th overall. That’s average. But what is above average is its offense, which is hot at 123.7. Even if Beal has not been living up to his superstar status, the duo of Durant and Booker is good for 55 to 60 points every evening.
The two should represent Phoenix in the 2024 NBA All-Star Game. And the Suns also get enough scoring from the likes of Grayson Allen, Jusuf Nurkic, and Eric Gordon. However, Allen may miss the game with an ankle injury. Phoenix is 6.3 points worse when he is off the floor.
Either way, Phoenix has more ways of beating Atlanta whether it is to take them head-on in a scoring race or to play defense. With the team determined to snag a top-four spot in the NBA playoffs bracket, we’re leaning on the latter.
Suns vs Hawks Odds
For NBA betting, analysis and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
