The Atlanta Hawks, with a record of 2-3, are set to face off against the Indiana Pacers, who are still seeking their first victory of the season at 0-4. The game is part of the NBA Cup group play and is scheduled for this Friday at 7 p.m. ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
In their last outing, the Hawks managed to secure a 117-112 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, although they did not cover the spread as 8.5-point favorites. This win came at a cost, as star point guard Trae Young suffered a sprained right knee, raising concerns about his availability for upcoming games. Fortunately for the Hawks, initial reports indicated that Young avoided a more severe injury, such as an ACL tear, but the timeline for his recovery remains uncertain. Nickeil Alexander-Walker stepped up, contributing 18 points from the bench, while forward Jalen Johnson led the team with an impressive 23 points, along with seven rebounds and five assists.
Meanwhile, the Pacers narrowly missed out on a win against the Dallas Mavericks, losing 107-105. They managed to cover the 6-point spread despite being shorthanded. Key players Bennedict Mathurin and Obi Toppin were ruled out with injuries, while Pascal Siakam delivered a standout performance with 27 points and 13 rebounds, and rookie Jarace Walker scored 20 points in his first start.
BetMGM Sportsbook currently has the Hawks favored at -140 on the moneyline, while the Pacers are at +115. The spread sits at Hawks -2.5, and the over/under total is set at 232.5.
In terms of injuries, the Hawks will be without Trae Young, and the Pacers have several players sidelined, including Tyrese Haliburton, Kam Jones, Bennedict Mathurin, T.J. McConnell, Andrew Nembhard, and Obi Toppin.
While the Pacers look for their first win, this game presents an opportunity for Atlanta to capitalize on the challenges their opponents face. The prediction leans towards a Hawks victory, estimated at 119 to 110, reflecting both teams’ current situations. The Hawks’ scoring could continue, particularly with Kristaps Porzingis averaging 20.3 points per game. The recommendation includes taking the Hawks at -2.5 and considering the under on the total, as both teams have struggled offensively amid their struggles with injuries.
For fans of the NBA, this matchup is a key moment as both teams aim to improve their standings, with the Hawks hoping to navigate through their injury challenges while the Pacers look for a much-needed win to turn their season around.