- What: NBA Cup Game
- When: November 22, 2024
- Who: Atlanta Hawks vs. Chicago Bulls
- Time: 7:00 p.m. EST
- Where: United Center (Chicago, IL)
The upcoming matchup between the Atlanta Hawks and the Chicago Bulls is shaping up to be a critical game for both teams, especially in the context of the NBA Cup standings.
The Hawks are at the top of East Group C and looking to maintain their momentum, but the Bulls have a solid chance to cover the 1.5-point spread in this contest.
Let’s dive into the numbers and see why I’m rolling with Chicago to cover.
Atlanta Hawks
First off, let’s talk about the Hawks. They’ve had a rough outing recently, particularly in their last game against the Golden State Warriors, where they shot a dismal 33% from the field and 26% from three-point range.
Their offensive struggles were evident, finishing with an offensive rating of just 86.9. If the Hawks want to cover the spread, their four best players need to find their rhythm and get quality shots.
Looking to make it 3-0 in NBA Cup play!
???? @chicagobulls
⏰ 8 PM ET
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???? @FanDuelSN_Hawks & @peachtreetv
???? @929TheGame pic.twitter.com/n3zz2SNhvk— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) November 22, 2024
This means point guard Trae Young, small forward De’Andre Hunter, shooting guard Bogdan Bogdanovic, and power forward Onyeka Okongwu must step up and deliver.
However, the Hawks have been inconsistent, with a 6-10 record against the spread this season. They’ve only managed to cover 4 out of 8 games on the road.
Atlanta is playing at an average pace of 106.2 possessions per game, ranking third in the NBA, while Chicago follows closely with a pace of 106.4, placing them second.
Chicago Bulls
On the flip side, the Bulls have shown they can be competitive, especially at home. With a 7-9 record against the spread, they’ve been slightly better than the Hawks in this department.
The key for Chicago will be the performance of their trio: shooting guard Zach LaVine, point guard Coby White, and center Nikola Vucevic. If they can find their shooting touch and establish a solid pace, the Bulls will be in a good position to win and cover the spread.
Cup Night action at the UC!
⏰: 7:00 pm CT
????: https://t.co/dLgvAjfc2T
????: @670TheScore@MotorolaUS | #SeeRed pic.twitter.com/1wYi1L11eL— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 22, 2024
Statistically, the Hawks are 4-6 against the spread when facing Eastern Conference teams, while the Bulls have a more favorable 6-3 record at home against the spread.
This trend suggests that the Bulls have been more effective in their home games, adding more confidence in their ability to cover the spread.
Hawks-Bulls Best Bet
I didn’t really understand this spread by oddsmakers. The Hawks being favored on the road in this game seems like a mistake. I’ll take advantage of this one and back the Bulls.
With their home-court advantage, a better record against the spread, and the potential for their key players to shine, I’m confident in Chicago’s ability to cover the 1.5-point spread against the Hawks.
The Bulls +1.5 points at -110 odds at BetMGM is the best bet in this one.
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Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
