The Cleveland Cavaliers (0-2) open their home schedule at Quicken Loans Arena as 7-point favorites against the Atlanta Hawks (0-2). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 229 points and it can be seen on Fox Sports – Southeast at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 21, 2018.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers ATS Odds
Both teams fell in their last contest. The Cavaliers (8.5-point underdogs) were defeated by the Minnesota Timberwolves, 131-123, while the Hawks (7-point underdogs) fell to the Memphis Grizzlies, 131-117. Both games finished over their projected point totals. The Cleveland game finished 31 points over the projected point total of 223, while the Atlanta game finished 31.5 points over the projected point total of 216.5.
Atlanta had a better offensive rebounding percentage (24.4 vs. 19.4) while Cleveland had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (29.5 vs. 23.1). Cleveland was led by Kevin Love, who finished with 25 points, 19 rebounds and seven assists. Taurean Prince, meanwhile played a key role for Atlanta with 28 points.
The productive offense of Cleveland will go head-to-head against the porous defense of Atlanta. Since the 2017-18 season, the Cavaliers rank fifth in offensive efficiency, while the Hawks are 22nd in defensive efficiency. The Cavaliers figure to have the edge on that side of the ball. Also, the Hawks, who rank 21st in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.186), will clash against the Cavaliers, who rank third in opponents’ FTA rate (0.173).
The Hawks have had records of 24-60 straight up (SU) and 42-48 against the spread (ATS) since last season. Since last season, games featuring Atlanta have finished under the projected point total 57.8 percent of the time.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers, are 50-34 SU and 47-50-5 ATS since last season. Cleveland’s games have had a tendency to finish over the projected point total over that same stretch (60.8 percent).
The Cavaliers captured this series last year, winning three out of four games. In the most recent game, Cleveland won 123-107. The Cavaliers’ 8.5 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Hawks, who had a mark of 11.6.
Atlanta Hawks at Cleveland Cavaliers Free Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Cavaliers, ATS Winner – Hawks, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- The Cavaliers rank 24th in rebounds per game (42.0) while the Hawks rank 25th (41.9).
- Cleveland ranks third in blocks allowed per game (4.2) while Atlanta ranks 28th (5.5).
- The Hawks rank fourth in points off turnovers per game (17.6) while the Cavaliers rank 22nd (15.5).
- Atlanta ranks ninth in assists per game (23.7) while Cleveland ranks 27th in assists allowed per game (25.1).
- Cleveland ranks 20th in points in the paint per game (43.6) while Atlanta ranks 27th (41.6).
- The Hawks average 31.1 three pointers per game, which ranks sixth in the league. The Cavaliers rank 28th in three pointers allowed per game (31.2).
- The Cavaliers average 11.9 fast break points per game, which ranks 14th in the NBA. The Hawks rank 24th in fast break points allowed per game (13.1).
- Cleveland ranks 10th in steals allowed per game (7.3) while Atlanta ranks 28th (8.7).
- Cleveland is 22-6 when they allow less than 100 points, while Atlanta is 12-4.
- When scoring over 100 points, the Cavaliers are 58-23 and the Hawks are 20-33.
