Hawks vs Wizards Prediction NBA Experts Picks Today 4/5
- Kingpin
- Apr 5, 2023, 4:42:56 AM
© Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Game Preview: Wizards vs Hawks
The Washington Wizards are set to take on the Atlanta Hawks in a pivotal matchup on April 5, 2023. The Wizards come into this game with a record of 34-45 and are currently sitting in third place in the Southeast Division. The Hawks, on the other hand, are 39-39 and are in second place in the division. Both teams have had their ups and downs this season, but this game could have major playoff implications. The Wizards will need to rely on their star player, Kristaps Porzingis, who leads the team in scoring with an average of 23.2 points per game. The Hawks will be without their superstar, Trae Young, who is out with an injury. This game will certainly be a test for both teams as they look to secure their spot in the playoffs. Can the Wizards pull off a win on the road, or will the Hawks defend their home court? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – this is a game you won't want to miss.
Wizards: Offensive Analysis
The Washington Wizards have struggled offensively this season, ranking 23rd in the league in points per game with just 113.0. Their average score margin is negative at -0.9, ranking 22nd in the league. They have also had trouble in the second quarter, ranking 24th in the league in points per game in that quarter. Although they rank 14th in assists per game with 25.4, they have struggled with turnovers, averaging 14.2 per game, ranking 17th in the league. Their shooting percentages are solid, with a shooting efficiency of 1.167 (11th in the league) and a field goal percentage of 48.6% (8th in the league). They struggle with 3-point shooting, however, ranking 17th in the league with a three-point percentage of just 35.9%. The Wizards also struggle on the offensive glass, ranking 24th in the league in offensive rebounds per game with 9.3. They have also had difficulty converting at the free-throw line, ranking just 14th in the league in free-throw percentage. Overall, the Washington Wizards' offensive struggles could be attributed to turnovers and a lack of second-quarter scoring. They will need to improve in these areas if they hope to keep up with the Atlanta Hawks in their upcoming matchup.
Wizards: Defensive Analysis
In the upcoming game against the Atlanta Hawks on April 5, 2023, the Washington Wizards will need to focus on their defensive strategy in order to come out with a win. The Wizards currently rank 23rd in the league in points allowed per game, giving up an average of 113 points to their opponents. This is an area where they need to improve, especially against a strong offensive team like the Hawks, who rank 4th in the league in points scored per game. Washington will need to focus on limiting their opponents' scoring opportunities by tightening up their defense and forcing turnovers. They currently rank 17th in the league in total rebounds per game, so improving on their rebounding will also be important to prevent second-chance points. Additionally, the Wizards will need to improve their perimeter defense, as the Hawks are a strong three-point shooting team, ranking 11th in the league in three-point percentage. Washington currently ranks 8th in the league in opponent three-point percentage, but they will need to continue to defend the perimeter aggressively against the Hawks. Overall, the Wizards will need to bring a strong defensive effort in order to slow down the Hawks' offensive attack and come out with a win. By improving their rebounding, limiting scoring opportunities, and defending the perimeter, Washington can give themselves the best chance for success in this matchup.
Hawks: Offense Analysis
The Atlanta Hawks have a strong offense that is ranked fourth in the league in points per game with an average of 118.1. They have a well-rounded offensive game with strengths in scoring inside the paint and in fastbreak situations. However, they struggle with their outside shooting, ranking 21st in the league for three-point percentage. Trae Young is the team's leading scorer with an average of 26.2 points per game and is also a major playmaker with an average of 9.9 assists per game. Their opponent, the Washington Wizards, have a weaker offense that is ranked 23rd in the league in points per game with an average of 113.0. They also struggle with turnovers, ranking third in the league in turnovers per game with an average of 14.2. However, they have a stronger defensive game, ranking 16th in the league in points allowed per game with an average of 113.9. In terms of key players, the Wizards will be without their leading scorer Kristaps Porzingis, who is doubtful for the game. The Hawks have a healthier roster and will likely rely heavily on Young to lead the team on offense. Overall, the Hawks have the advantage on offense and will need to play to their strengths to secure a win against the Wizards. They will need to continue to work on improving their outside shooting to become a more well-rounded offensive team.
Hawks: Defensive Analysis
The Hawks will face off against the Washington Wizards on April 5, 2023, and their defense will be a key factor in determining the outcome of the game. In this defensive analysis, we will take a closer look at the Hawks' defense and how it matches up against the Wizards' offense. First, let's look at some of the Hawks' defensive statistics. They allow an average of 118.1 points per game, which ranks 25th in the league. Their opponent's points per game average is the same, which means the Hawks' defense is keeping up with their opponent's offense. The Hawks' defense also ranks 18th in total rebounds per game and 21st in blocks per game. However, the Hawks' defense struggles with defending the fast break, ranking 28th in fast break points allowed per game. This could be problematic against the Wizards, who average 11.9 fast break points per game. The Hawks will need to focus on defending the paint against the Wizards, as they allow an average of 54.6 points in the paint per game, ranking 29th in the league. The Wizards' offense ranks 16th in points in the paint per game, with an average of 51.4 points. The Hawks' center, Clint Capela, will need to step up in this area as he leads the team with 4.1 offensive rebounds per game. The Hawks also struggle with defending the three-point shot, allowing an average of 11.9 three-pointers per game, ranking eighth in the league. The Wizards' offense ranks 19th in three-point percentage, shooting 36.4 percent from beyond the arc. The Hawks' small forward, De'Andre Hunter, will need to improve his perimeter defense as he has allowed opponents to shoot 36.8 percent from three-point range this season. In conclusion, the Hawks' defense has its strengths and weaknesses, but against the Wizards, they will need to focus on defending the paint and limiting fast break opportunities. They will also need to tighten up their perimeter defense to prevent the Wizards from hitting shots from beyond the arc. If they can do so, the Hawks should have a good chance of coming out on top in this game.
Injury Report
Washington Wizards: - Bradley Beal (SG) is listed as doubtful for the game on April 5th, with an injury sustained on April 3rd. - Kristaps Porzingis (C) is also doubtful to play on April 5th, due to an injury sustained on April 3rd. - Deni Avdija (SF) is out for the game on April 4th. - Monte Morris (PG) is doubtful to play on April 4th. - Delon Wright (SG) is also doubtful to play on April 4th. Atlanta Hawks: - De'Andre Hunter (SF) is doubtful to play on April 3rd. - Trae Young (PG) will miss the game on April 4th. The injury report shows that both teams have key players who are doubtful or out for the game. Missing players could affect the flow of the game and impact the outcome. It would be interesting to see how both teams adjust their lineups and strategy to fill the gaps left by these players.
| Player | Team | Position | Injury Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bradley Beal | Washington Wizards | SG | Doubtful |
| Kristaps Porzingis | Washington Wizards | C | Doubtful |
| Deni Avdija | Washington Wizards | SF | Out |
| Monte Morris | Washington Wizards | PG | Doubtful |
| Delon Wright | Washington Wizards | SG | Doubtful |
| De'Andre Hunter | Atlanta Hawks | SF | Doubtful |
| Trae Young | Atlanta Hawks | PG | Out |
Betting Trends Analysis
The Washington Wizards have struggled this season, with a 34-45 record and a 36-39-4 ATS record. They have lost their last three games and are currently 8 games out of a playoff spot. The Wizards have been a poor defensive team, allowing 113.9 points per game, which ranks 16th in the league. On the other hand, the Atlanta Hawks are 39-39 on the season and have a 34-43-1 ATS record. They have won their last two games and currently hold the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Hawks have been a solid offensive team, averaging 118.1 points per game, which ranks 4th in the league. Looking at the trends, the Wizards have been a poor road team, with a 16-24 record away from home. In terms of the spread, the consensus pick is currently unknown, as both teams have similar ATS records. The money line favored the Hawks at 70.3%, while the total over/under is currently unknown. Overall, while the Wizards may put up a fight, the Hawks have been the better team this season and are trending in the right direction towards a playoff berth.
Prediction:
The Wizards have been in a bit of a slump recently, losing their last three games and struggling to find consistent scoring outside of Kristaps Porzingis. Meanwhile, the Hawks have been in better form, winning two of their last three and boasting a potent offense led by Trae Young. In this matchup, we expect the Hawks to come out firing on all cylinders and put up a big score against the Wizards' struggling defense. While Porzingis may keep Washington in the game for a while, the Hawks' overall firepower and home court advantage should lead to a comfortable victory. Take the Hawks to cover the 7.5-point spread and win by double digits in a high-scoring affair.
Pick: Hawks (-7.5)
