Cleveland Cavaliers at Atlanta Hawks Betting Preview

Kevin Love should be able to log more than 10 minutes in this one. Darius Garland is likely to return after missing the last game-and-a-half with a game and a half with a groin injury. Taurean Prince is probably missing another game, which means more opportunity for Dylan Windler to continue to shine for the team. Just as they want.

Atlanta enters action off a few wins, one of which came on a buzzer-beater. The shot from Tony Snell that won them their game on Wednesday might have featured the most subdued reaction by a last-second winner ever. It was a beautiful shot nonetheless that helped guide the Hawks to a win after the week-long layoff from games. The team is at 18-20 and starting to trend in the right direction.

ODDS: The Cavaliers are 6.5-point underdogs, and the over/under is set at 223.5.

Cavs Seeking Fifteenth Win

During the shortened 2019-20 year, the Cavs ended at 19-46. That tied them with the second-fewest wins in the league. It helped land them inside the top five of the lottery, where they made Isaac Okoro a Cavalier. He has not disappointed this year, playing tremendous D as his offensive game has continued to improve throughout the year steadily.

The return of Garland to the lineup will be a huge boost, as ball movement and assist numbers are always better when he’s in. It’s no surprise the team blew the big lead to Indiana last Wednesday after he got hurt and couldn’t return to action. Collin Sexton is the scorer who can facilitate, while Garland is the facilitator who can score. They play beautifully off one another.

Look for Windler to have a breakout game and for Kevin Love to hopefully log 20-25 minutes versus the ten he played against New Orleans.

Hawks Look to Inch Closer .500

At 18-20, the Hawks might be on their way to respectability. Danilo Gallinari has finally turned into the player they thought they signed, while Bogdan Bogdanovic is also starting to look more comfortable. The questions about John Collins remain, but at least Nate McMillan is giving more than four minutes a game to lottery pick Onyeka Okongwu.

Trae Young is feeling burned by the snub to the All-Star game being played in his backyard. That has fueled him in his strong play over the last few games within the past few days. He’s looking more effective and making sure to continue to get teammates involved.

Also, shoutout to the front office for getting Clint Capela for practically nothing. He’s been so good for this team. Houston really goofed on this one.

Cavs Sweep Season Series

Upset alert! Upset alert! The Cavs knock off the Hawks for the third time this year, giving them a sweep in the season series.

FREE PLAY: CAVS +6.5

OVER/UNDER: OVER 223.5