Key Highlights
- The Atlanta Hawks (11-7) and Washington Wizards (1-15) will face off in the NBA Cup on Tuesday night.
- Jalen Johnson is favored to score over 17.5 rebounds + assists, with odds of -140 at bet365.
- The Hawks are heavy favorites (-10.5 points), while Washington has odds of +375 on the moneyline.
- Trae Young (knee) is out for the Hawks, and Jalen Johnson is questionable for the Wizards due to a hip injury.
NBA Cup Preview: Hawks vs. Wizards
The Atlanta Hawks will take on the Washington Wizards in an NBA Cup match-up that’s set for Tuesday night at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on FDSSE.
Hawks as Strong Favorites
The Hawks (11-7) are a solid -500 favorite to win the game outright, while the Wizards (1-15) have odds of +375 to pull off an upset. The point spread is set at -10.5 points for the Hawks and 236.5 total points as the over/under.
Key Player Performances
My top pick for this game is on Jalen Johnson, who is expected to exceed 17.5 rebounds plus assists. Johnson has demonstrated a streak of performances where he’s surpassed this number recently, and with the Wizards allowing the most rebounds and fourth-most assists per 100 possessions in the league, his chances are high.
Additionally, there’s an intriguing bet on Jalen Johnson to record a triple-double at +375 odds. Since Trae Young is out due to a knee injury, Johnson’s role may see him contributing more significantly, which could lead to such a performance.
Tourney Implications
This game takes place during the NBA Cup tournament phase where every match matters for playoff positioning. The Hawks are already 1-1 in Group A with an +8 point differential but have upcoming matches against stronger teams like the Cavaliers, who they must beat to secure their position.
The Wizards’ record of 1-15 makes them a minuscule threat to the Hawks, though the latter still needs to prove themselves against tougher competition. This game provides Atlanta with an opportunity to build on recent positive momentum after Trae Young’s injury.
Final Thoughts
The match between the Hawks and Wizards is not just about winning but also about establishing a strong performance that could influence their standing in the tournament. With Jalen Johnson being the key player, this game promises an exciting battle on both sides of the ball.
Note: All odds and predictions are subject to change based on live betting markets. For up-to-date information, check your preferred sportsbook’s live NBA odds page.
