No one is safe from the upset this season as the talent is spread around the league relatively equally for the first time in nearly a decade.
Atlanta Hawks at Brooklyn Nets
Two powerhouse Eastern teams meet up for the first time this season. Nets are the early favorite with an opening line of -6.5, despite the Hawks starting 3-0.
The Nets have suffered two losses on the season, both major upsets against the Charlotte Hornets and Memphis Grizzlies. They also suffered the loss of guard Spencer Dinwiddie who is out for the season.
The Nets have shown dominance this season. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving have proved to be an effective tandem as they did not play in the loss to the Grizzlies.
This game should see a lot of action with two of top scoring point guards going at each other. Kyrie Irving is averaging 29.3 PPG, 6.0 APG, and 4.3 RPG. Trae Young is averaging 34.0 PPG, 7.3 APG, and 4.0 RPG. Both stellar numbers.
Both teams can match up against each other suggesting a relatively close game is at hand. Both teams are built around a solid offense.
The Hawks +6.5 is the play. This number seems too high with how much talent the Hawks have on their roster, with scoring up and down the lineup. Expect a high-scoring affair and consider the over as well.
Gallinari and Capela are both listed as game-time decisions for the Hawks.
Charlotte Hornets at Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks absolutely decimated the Clippers last game. They were up a staggering 50 points at halftime. If the Mavericks only played defense without making a single shot after halftime, they still win. Unfathomable in this league.
Riding off this high, the Dallas Mavericks are getting the Hornets off their upset win against the Nets. The Mavericks bench stepped up majorly, which is their greatest strength. Doncic draws all the defensive eyes allowing easy shots for his teammates.
The bench will be the difference in this game as well. They may not have the big names, but they are deeper than the Hornets.
Doncic is back to form in his third year averaging 27.7 PPG, 6.7 APG, and 7.0 RPG. Doncic will only get better as the season progresses. A triple-double seems likely as the Mavericks excel against bottom-tier teams.
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On the other hand, Scary Terry and Hayward might have a response. They are averaging 26.7 PPG, 3.0 APG, and 3.3 RPG and 22.7 PPG, 5.0 APG, and 7.0 RPG, respectively. Not too shabby and gives the fans hope for the future.
The highly anticipated second-round pick in the NBA draft, LaMelo Ball, is struggling. He appears to have a hard time finding his stride. The young guard is only averaging 6.3 PPG, 3.0 APG, and 3.3 RPG. Not great compared to the level of talent we are used to seeing of a prospect drafted that high. Way too soon to label him as a bust.
The Mavericks are the favorite at -7.5. I believe the Mavericks will keep their strong play going with all the confidence in the world. I suggest buying the half or full point for good measure.
Hawks +6.5
Mavericks -7.5
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