There are six games on the docket across the NBA on Wednesday. With just five days remaining in the regular season, fans are certainly advised to enjoy as much basketball as possible. The first of two nationally televised games tonight pits the surging Washington Wizards against a familiar Southeast Division foe in the Atlanta Hawks. The NBA betting odds have sided pretty heavily with the home team as their pre-game Wizards vs Hawks prediction.
Wizards vs Hawks Game Info
Washington Wizards (32-37, 15-20 Away) at Atlanta Hawks (38-31, 22-11 Home)
Date: Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Start Time: 7 p.m. EST
Venue: State Farm Arena — Atlanta, GA
Coverage: ESPN
Wizards vs Hawks NBA Betting Odds
Moneyline: WAS: (+215) | ATL: (-260)
Spread: WAS: +6.5 (-110) | ATL: -6.5 (-110)
Total: 238.5 — Over: (-115) | Under: (-105)
Wizards vs Hawks NBA Betting Overview
Wizards Outlook
The Wizards were left for dead by many in the NBA betting community just a few months ago. After an unforeseen second-half surge, Washington is now firmly positioned in the NBA Postseason Play-In Tournament. They even have an outside shot at finishing in the top eight of the Eastern Conference standings and thus having a buffer in the play-in tourney. Given the early-season injury to Thomas Bryant and the other obstacles, Scott Brooks’ team has had to overcome, the Wizards’ recent run is truly remarkable.
Something else that is remarkable is the play of Russell Westbrook. On Monday, he broke the near half-century-old record of Oscar Robertson for the most career triple-doubles. Westbrook’s numbers have been video game-like of late. Washington will likely need more from him going forward if they are to continue their NBA betting success as fellow superstar Bradley Beal is dealing with a hamstring injury. He is guaranteed to miss tonight’s game and possibly more.
Wizards Injury Report
- Out: Bradley Beal (hamstring), Deni Avdija (ankle), Thomas Bryant (knee)
Hawks Outlook
The Hawks have been the apple of many NBA betting sharps’ eyes throughout the season. As recently as last week, pro bettors were still firing on Atlanta’s futures odds to win the NBA Championship. Nate McMillan has done a phenomenal job with this team since taking over as interim coach. The Hawks enter tonight’s matchup tied with the Miami Heat for fourth in the Eastern Conference. They are in the clear as far as avoiding the play-in tournament and very well could host a first-round series.
Of course, Atlanta is led by their sharpshooting point guard, Trae Young. The 22-year-old is nearly averaging a double-double on the season with 25.6 points and 9.5 assists. After missing the early portion of the season due to injury, Bogdan Bogdanovic has returned to form in a big way over the past few weeks. The frontcourt is also now fully healthy, with Clint Capela and John Collins each having formidable backups behind them in Danilo Gallinari and Onyeka Okongwu. The depth of this Hawks team makes it no surprise that many believe them to be the clear-cut fourth-best team in the East.
Hawks Injury Report
- Out: De’Andre Hunter (injury maintenance), Cam Reddish (Achilles)
- Questionable: Tony Snell
- Probable: Kevin Huerter (hip)
Wizards vs Hawks NBA Betting Trends
- Wizards 2020-21 Betting Trends: 39-29-1 ATS; 36-33 to the Over
- Hawks 2020-21 Betting Trends: 37-31-1 ATS; 35-34 to the Over
- Wizards are 5-0-1 ATS in their last six games following an outright loss.
- Hawks are 14-2 ATS in their last 16 games as a home NBA betting favorite.
- The total has gone over in each of the Wizards’ last six games and each of the Hawks’ last four contests.
Wizards vs Hawks Statistics
- Washington is averaging 116.6 points per game (PPG) this season (No. 4 in the NBA)
- Washington is surrendering 118.8 PPG on the season (No. 30 in the NBA)
- Atlanta is averaging 113.4 PPG this season (No. 15 in the NBA)
- Atlanta is surrendering 111.8 PPG (Tied for No. 14 in the NBA)
Wizards vs Hawks Prop Bet
Bogdan Bogdanovic Over 19.5 Points (-123)
Veteran Bogdan Bogdanovic has been just one of several injuries the Hawks have been forced to overcome this season. While it certainly took the 28-year-old Serbian some time to regain his form after returning, he has been playing some of his best basketball of the season in recent weeks. It couldn’t come at a better time for Atlanta with the postseason looming, and it makes for a solid Wizards vs Hawks prediction to play over on his NBA betting points props this evening.
Bogdanovic is averaging 16.0 points per game this season. Bear in mind that he played reduced minutes for several games after returning to the lineup and also was not in full game shape. Recently, the veteran has been smashing that season average. He has scored 25 or more points in three of the last four games and has not scored fewer than 15 points in any of the last five. This includes a 25-point effort on Monday against the same Wizards team he’ll face tonight. Washington ranks dead last in the NBA in scoring defense. Assuming Bogdanovic sees his typical 30+ minutes, there should be no hesitation to back him to exceed 19.5 points once again.
