Cavaliers vs Hawks Picks & Predictions

Cleveland Cavaliers (42-34 SU, 39-33-4 ATS) vs. Atlanta Hawks (39-37 SU, 33-43-0 ATS)
When: Thursday March 31 2022, 07:30 PM (ET)
Where: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia
TV: BSOH

Point Spread: CLE +5.5/ATL -5.5 (Opened ATL -5 at SportsBetting.ag)
Total: 222.5 (Opened at 220.5)
Money Line: Cleveland 175/Atlanta -215
Power Rating: ATL -5

Probable Starting Lineups

Cleveland Cavaliers PG Darius Garland, SG Isaac Okoro, SF Caris LeVert, PF Lauri Markkanen, C Moses Brown NOTE
Atlanta Hawks PG Trae Young, SG Kevin Huerter, SF De’Andre Hunter, PF Danilo Gallinari Q, C Clint Capela

Key Injuries

Cleveland Cavaliers Evan Mobley: Ankle (OUT) Dean Wade: Knee (OUT) Jarrett Allen: Finger (OUT) Rajon Rondo: Ankle (OUT) Collin Sexton: Knee (OUT)

Atlanta Hawks Skylar Mays: Illness (OUT) Danilo Gallinari: Elbow (QUESTIONABLE) Jalen Johnson: Concussion (QUESTIONABLE) John Collins: Foot (OUT)

The Atlanta Hawks host the Cleveland Cavaliers in an Eastern-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 07:30 PM ET at the State Farm Arena.

Recent Form

The Cleveland Cavaliers come into this game with an overall record of 42-34, placing them 7th in the Eastern Conference. Throughout the season, Cleveland has struggled in their 37 road contests, sitting at 18-19. Over the Cavaliers’ last five games, they have picked up just 1 win. In this stretch, Cleveland’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 107.0 points per game. Combined, the Cavaliers’ last five opponents are giving up 110.0 points per contest. A key reason for Cleveland’s recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 113.0 points over their previous five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 104.8. In the Cleveland Cavaliers’ most recent game, the team fell to Dallas by a score of 120-112.

The Atlanta Hawks come into this game with an overall record of 39-37, placing them 10nd in the Eastern Conference. So far, Atlanta is above .500 at home, holding a record of 24-14. The Hawks have played well over their last five games, picking up 4 wins. During this stretch, Atlanta is averaging 121.0 points per game, 8.0 points more than their season average of 113.5. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 110.0 points per contest. Even though the Hawks have been adding to the win column, their opponents have had no trouble scoring the ball, averaging 117.0 points per game, up from Atlanta’s usual rate of 112.4. In the Atlanta Hawks’ most recent game, Atlanta took down Oklahoma City by a score of 136-118.

Individual Player Analysis

As Cleveland travels to take on the Atlanta Hawks, the Cavaliers’ leading scorer is Darius Garland. Through 62 games, Garland is averaging 21 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 55.0% of his games. So far, the Hawks are allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 51.61% of their games, placing them 19th among NBA defenses. On the other side, Trae Young leads the Hawks in scoring, averaging 28 points across his 69 games. Throughout the season, Young has outscored his season average in 49.0% of his outings. On the season, the Cavaliers have allowed their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 49.21% of their games, giving them a rank of 14th among NBA defenses.

Matchup Analysis

The Hawks come into this game as the more efficient offensive team, averaging 112.6 points per 100 possessions. When playing as the superior offensive unit, Atlanta is winning at a rate of 65%. These wins are coming by an average margin of 12.0 points. On the other side, the Cavaliers hold the advantage on the defensive end of the floor. So far, they have played 30 games as the better defensive team, picking up 16 wins.

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks have met up for 3 games. In their last meeting, Atlanta picked up a 124-116 win.

How the Public is Betting the Cavaliers vs Hawks

67% are betting the against the spread.
52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 214.5

More Picks: Get Joe’s ‘Milwaukee at Brooklyn 3/31/22 Best Bet >>>

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Cavaliers are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games following a straight up loss.
• Cavaliers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
• Hawks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Hawks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

The Atlanta Hawks come into this matchup looking to add on to their current 3 game win streak. With their hot play, the Hawks still have an outside chance of catching Brooklyn for the 8th seed, ensuring a home game in the NBA play-in tournament. On the other side, Cleveland’s inconsistent play has them seeded 7th in the East. This comes after spending a majority of the season near the top of the conference standings. Look for the Hawks to continue their hot play with a win over the Cavs that also covers the spread.