The Warriors are hosting the Hawks on Sunday. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Golden State is favored by 6.5 points and this game carries a total of 237.5 points.
Let’s dive into my preview and pick for the game.
Warriors vs. Hawks preview, prediction
The Warriors have found some rhythm after a slow start to the season. Golden State has won seven of its last 10 and for the season, the Warriors are 21-18 and rank 10th in net rating. Golden State hangs its hat on the defensive end, ranking seventh in defensive rating and on offense, the Warriors rely on Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, who are leading the team with 28.7 and 19.6 PPG, respectively. Curry impressively has scored at least 26 points in seven straight starts.
The Warriors will be at home Sunday, where they are 13-5 this season, compared to 8-13 on the road, but this is likely to be a more challenging matchup than it appears on paper. Atlanta is 19-21 and ranks 17th in net rating this season, but Trae Young is officially no longer with the Hawks after being traded to the Wizards earlier this week and Atlanta is a much better team without the guard.
The Hawks are 17-13 with Young inactive this season and they have won four of their last six with him absent. Atlanta loses some offense with Young gone, but its defense is worlds better without the small guard. The Hawks own a terrible 126.2 defensive rating with Young on the floor this season, but with him off, that number improves to 112.3, which would be the sixth-best defensive rating in the league if it was their average for the season.
With Young out of the picture, Jalen Johnson is Atlanta’s centerpiece and he should continue to put up great numbers for the rest of the season. Johnson has been one of the NBA’s most improved players this season, averaging 23.7 points, 10.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game. The 24-year-old has tallied seven triple-doubles this season, which ranks second only to Nikola Jokic.
Warriors vs. Hawks pick, best bet
The Hawks should make this a competitive tilt, but in the end, the Warriors should prevail on their home floor. Golden State -6.5 is a decent play, but I prefer to invest in the under for this game.
Both these clubs are strong defensive groups and 237.5 points just feels too high for this matchup. With Young missing, five of the last six games for Atlanta have gone under.
