Atlanta Hawks vs. Houston Rockets Betting Prediction 02/25/19

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The Atlanta Hawks (20-40) will travel to the Toyota Center to clash against the Houston Rockets (34-25). Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, February 25, 2019, and can be seen on Fox Sports – Southeast.

Atlanta Hawks vs. Houston Rockets ATS Odds

Both teams covered in their last contest. The Rockets (12-point underdogs) defeated the Golden State Warriors 118-112, while the Hawks (3-point favorite) beat the Phoenix Suns 120-112. The Houston game went 2 points under the projected point total of 232, while the Atlanta game went 2.5 points under the projected point total of 234.5.

The Hawks made 32 of their 38 free throws (84.2 percent) and held the Suns to an offensive rebounding percentage of 13.6 (below their season average of 20.7). Houston, on the other hand, dominated nearly every facet of their game. They had a free throw rate of 0.239 (above their season average of 0.228) and a turnover percentage of 11.2 (better than their season average of 11.8). For those same stats, Golden State was 0.156 and 14.7, respectively. Houston’s Chris Paul had a good game, contributing 23 points, 17 assists and five rebounds. John Collins, meanwhile was a key piece for Atlanta with 19 points and 14 rebounds.

The Rockets dominated this series last year, securing victories in both games. In the last contest, Houston won 118-99. Houston’s 0.600 effective field goal percentage was its biggest strength over Atlanta, who had a mark of 0.506. This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.

Of the Hawks’ 60 games, 33 have finished over the O/U total. Atlanta comes into the game with records of 20-40 straight up (SU) and 27-33 against the spread (ATS).

Of the Rockets’ 59 games, 32 have finished over the O/U total. Moreover, Houston owns records of 34-25 SU and 27-31-1 ATS.

The Hawks’ Trae Young has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 20 points,10.6 assists per game. Meanwhile, Paul has averaged 18 points,9.6 assists,5.8 rebounds,1.6 steals during that same time frame for the Rockets.

Houston could have their way on the offensive side of the ball as their productive offense squares off against one of the worst defenses in the league. The Rockets rank second in offensive efficiency, while Atlanta ranks 27th in defensive efficiency. It will also be a tale of two tempos as the aggressively-paced Hawks rank third in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Rockets rank 24th.

Atlanta Hawks vs. Houston Rockets Pick

Free Pick: SU Winner – Hawks, ATS Winner – Hawks, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • The Rockets average 13.4 second chance points per game, which ranks 14th in the league. The Hawks rank 27th in second chance points allowed per game (14.4).
  • Houston averages 44.7 three pointers per game, which ranks first in the league. Atlanta ranks 27th in three pointers allowed per game (33.5).
  • The Rockets rank ninth in steals per game (8.4) while the Hawks rank 29th in steals allowed per game (10.4).
  • Houston ranks ninth in assists allowed per game (23.5) while Atlanta ranks 29th (27.3).
  • Houston ranks 11th in blocks per game (5.3) while Atlanta ranks 24th in blocks allowed per game (5.5).
  • The Hawks average 50.9 points in the paint per game, which ranks seventh in the league. The Rockets rank last in points allowed in the paint per game (52.9).
  • The Rockets rank 12th in fast break points allowed per game (13.4) while the Hawks rank last (17.3).
  • Atlanta ranks 16th in rebounds per game (45.1) while Houston ranks 27th (41.7).
  • Houston ranks ninth in points off turnovers per game (17.8) while Atlanta ranks last in points off turnovers allowed per game (22.4).
  • Atlanta is 3-2 when they allow under 100 points, while Houston is 9-2.
  • The Rockets are 32-17 when they reach the century mark, while the Hawks are 19-32.
  • Atlanta is 17-15 ATS on the road, while Houston is 16-12-1 ATS at home.
  • The total has gone over in 18 of the Hawks’ 32 road games, while 19 of the Rockets’ 29 home games have gone over.

Bettings Trends:

  • In their last five games, Atlanta and Houston have both had 3 unders and 2 overs.
  • The Hawks are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Rockets are 2-3.
  • During their last five games, the Hawks have scored an average of 111.6 points per game (0.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 116.0 points per game (2.2 below their season average).
  • The Rockets’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.4, down from 2.0 for the season.