Two clubs looking to make a postseason push are set to meet tonight in Portland. The Trail Blazers (19-22, 9th in West) have won six of their last nine games, looking the part of a pesky playoff contender. They’ll attempt to defend home court against the Hawks (20-22, 9th in East). Atlanta, even with Trae Young gone, has the talent to compete in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
Who has the edge going into this late-night showdown? Here’s my preview, prediction, and pick for Thursday’s Atlanta Hawks vs. Portland Trail Blazers matchup.
The Hawks are 3.5-point favorites (-115) over the Trail Blazers on DraftKings Sportsbook. Atlanta is favored at -166 on the moneyline. The total for this contest is set at 231.5 points.
Hawks vs. Trail Blazers prediction, preview
Neither club enters this matchup at full strength. For the visitors, Zaccharie Risacher (knee) and Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) have both been ruled out. That leaves Atlanta’s frontcourt in a state of flux, especially on the wings. Fortunately for the Hawks, Jalen Johnson is still expected to suit up. Through 38 games, the Duke alum is averaging 23.4 points, 10.1 rebounds and 8.1 assists. At this point, the 24-year-old is well-positioned for his first career All-Star Game selection.
In theory, the Trae Young trade should make the Hawks worse. However, the team has compiled a respectable 18-14 record without the former All-Star. Still, defense has been an issue; Atlanta has allowed the sixth-most points per game (118.9) to opponents. It doesn’t help that Porzingis, the best rim protector on the roster, is sidelined. Regardless, guard Dyson Daniels could give Portland’s ball handlers fits tonight.
The Blazers are missing a star of their own, leading scorer Deni Avdija (back). However, the club did receive some good news on Thursday with the return of Jerami Grant. The wing has been missing for nearly a month due to an Achilles injury. Through 26 games this season, he put up 20.0 points on 44% shooting. That takes some pressure off of Shaedon Sharpe, who had assumed top-option status in Avdija’s absence.
Much like Atlanta, the Trail Blazers have been uninspiring on defense. They own a 117.0 defensive rating, 11th-worst in basketball. That statistic doesn’t take into account Jrue Holiday missing about two-thirds of the season. When healthy, the guard remains one of the sport’s elite perimeter stoppers. He’s buoyed by the presence of Donovan Clingan down low. The former UConn Huskies center has tallied 1.4 blocks per game. No matter what, there should be plenty of buckets in this one. These two teams both rank inside the NBA’s top ten in pace on offense.
Hawks vs. Trail Blazers pick, best bet
Entering Thursday’s contest, Atlanta holds a clear edge in personnel given Avdija’s injury. Grant’s return helps Portland, but he’s likely to be kept on a minutes restriction. The Hawks are one of the NBA’s better road teams (13-11). In comparison, Portland is a middling 10-10 at the Moda Center. Equipped with Johnson, the best player on the court, I’m expecting the visitors to cover tonight.
