Atlanta (22-25) at Cleveland (38-9)
- When: Jan 30 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH, USA
- TV: TNT
Game Preview
The Atlanta Hawks head to Cleveland on Thursday, desperate to snap their six-game losing streak, while the Cavaliers look to extend their winning momentum. The Hawks have already beaten Cleveland twice this season, but with key injuries and ongoing shooting struggles, they’ll face a tall task against a Cavs squad that is coming off a dominant 126-106 road win in Miami. With Cleveland favored by 10 points and the total set at 236.5, let’s break down the betting angles for this matchup.
Atlanta Hawks Analysis
The Hawks’ season continues to spiral, with their latest setback coming in a 100-96 loss to Houston, despite nearly erasing a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit. Atlanta had a chance to complete the comeback, but De’Andre Hunter’s wide-open three in the final seconds rimmed out, sealing their sixth consecutive defeat.
Trae Young, who returned from a hamstring injury to score 21 points and dish out nine assists, remains confident the team will find a way out of their slump. However, Atlanta continues to struggle from beyond the arc, shooting an abysmal 11-for-47 (23.4%) from three against the Rockets. With Clint Capela (back) and Bogdan Bogdanovic (personal) ruled out, Young will have to shoulder an even heavier load offensively.
Head coach Quin Snyder remains optimistic, emphasizing the team’s defensive effort despite their recent struggles. However, without reliable scoring depth and a consistent perimeter attack, the Hawks will have to find other ways to compete against a Cavs team that has found its rhythm.
Cleveland Cavaliers Analysis
Cleveland is in peak form, rolling into this matchup after a comfortable 20-point win over the Heat in Miami. The victory allowed head coach Kenny Atkinson to rest his key players, giving the Cavs an energy advantage heading into the second leg of this back-to-back.
Donovan Mitchell put on a show against Miami, dropping 34 points in what Atkinson called “an elite All-Star performance.” Meanwhile, Evan Mobley continues to build momentum following his calf injury, posting a 22-point, 15-rebound double-double. Atkinson believes Mobley is still working his way back to full strength, but even at 75-80%, he remains a significant force on both ends of the floor.
Cleveland will be looking for payback after dropping the first two meetings against Atlanta, and with home-court advantage, improved depth, and fresh legs, the Cavaliers are well-positioned to dominate.
Key Matchups & Betting Trends
Hawks’ Shooting Woes: Atlanta’s 23.4% from three against Houston highlights their biggest weakness. If they continue to struggle from deep, Cleveland’s defense will suffocate them.
Cavaliers’ Rest Advantage: With key players logging reduced minutes against Miami, Cleveland has an edge against an Atlanta team still searching for answers.
Donovan Mitchell’s Scoring Surge: Mitchell has been lights-out recently and could exploit Atlanta’s defensive lapses, making Cleveland a strong play to cover.
Betting Predictions
The Hawks’ offensive inconsistency and injury concerns make it difficult to trust them in this spot, especially against a red-hot Cavaliers squad looking for revenge. Cleveland’s depth and defensive pressure should wear down Atlanta, leading to another decisive victory.
The total of 236.5 feels high given Atlanta’s recent shooting struggles and Cleveland’s ability to control tempo, making the Under another strong consideration.
Best Bets:
Cleveland -10.0 (Cavs’ momentum, rest advantage, and defensive edge should lead to a comfortable win.)
Under 236.5 (Atlanta’s shooting struggles and Cleveland’s defensive intensity could keep this game lower-scoring.)
Final Score Prediction: Cleveland 121, Atlanta 106
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
