The Atlanta Hawks shook some things up at the NBA trade deadline on Thursday, moving Rajon Rondo to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for former Sixth Man of the Year, and Georgia native, Lou Wiliams. Now they visit the short-handed Warriors and try to grab a win on the road.
Atlanta Hawk vs. Golden State Warriors
Friday, March 12th, 2021 – 10:00 PM EDT at Chase Center
Can Atlanta Bounce Back After A Rough Couple Games?
The Hawks got off to a very hot start under new Head Coach Nate McMillan. They were playing with purpose, they were focused and the rifts that had previously been apparent seemed to have disappeared. But then after beating the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday, they proceeded to lose their last two games against the Clippers and Sacramento Kings in a nail-biter. Now they travel to San Francisco to take on the Warriors.
The Hawks are better with McMillan at the helm. I don’t think there’s any question about that. I also really like the trade for Lou Williams. As much as Rondo brings to a team in terms of leadership, defense, and the ability to run the point, Williams is instant offense off the bench, which is something Atlanta has really struggled with this season. He will be a valuable contributor. The question is whether he will be available for this game. As of this writing, no decision has been made or announced. Therefore, we have to plan on Williams not being available for the Hawks and if we get him, it’s an extra bonus.
How Shorthanded Will The Warriors Actually Be?
Golden State has had an odd season of sorts so far. They started out leaning heavily on their defense, then they kind of found a rhythm, but COVID-19 issues and injuries have prevented them from sustaining any sort of momentum on the year. Now they come into this game off of two straight losses and seven defeats in their last ten tries. They are without Steph Curry and Draymond Green’s status is questionable as well for this one. That makes it a very tough spot for the Warriors. It makes it just as tough a spot to back them in this game.
Betting Analysis
This is a matchup that should actually be a fun game to watch. These teams are going to run and gun their way through forty-eight minutes. We know that much. What we don’t know is exactly who will be on the floor. This is a more important issue for Golden State as they are already without their best player in Steph Curry. Now the issue is will Draymond Green be in the lineup. Can’t count on it. Which means for me this game is Hawks or nothing. Even without Rondo, I still think Atlanta is the deeper and more potent team. I also think they are very dangerous in this spot because they are off two losses and the one to Sacramento had to sting them a little bit. I think the Hawks come out here and look to get right against a banged-up Golden State team. I’ll lay it with Atlanta.
NBA Pick: Hawks -5.5 (-110) at BetMGM
