Atlanta Hawks (19-19) vs Houston Rockets (25-12)
Game Info: Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 3:00 pm (State Farm Arena)
Betting Odds: Atlanta Hawks +4.5 -- Over/Under: 234 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: NBA League Pass
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets have been in great form as they've won eight of their last 11 games overall and they will be gunning for a fourth straight victory after sneaking past the Grizzlies in a 119-115 road win on Thursday. Alperen Sengun led the team with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists on 12 of 20 shooting, Jalen Green added 27 points while Fred VanVleet chipped in with 22 points on eight of 13 shooting. As a team, the Rockets shot 42 percent from the field and 13 of 34 from the 3-point line as they dominated from the start. Srtting the tone with 45 points in the first quarter to build a 17-point lead which proved to be just enough to hold off a late rally from the Grizzlies in the fourth quarter.
Atlanta Hawks
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks have cooled off a bit recently as they've lost four of their last five games overall. The Hawks will be hoping to bounce back after coming up short against the struggling Suns in a 123-115 road defeat on Thursday. Trae Young led the team with 21 points and seven assists, Bogdan Bogdanovic added 17 points on seven of 11 shooting off the bench while Vit Krejci chipped in with 12 points and six assists. As a team, the Hawks shot 48 percent from the field and 15 of 32 from the 3-point line as they exploded for 41 points in the second quarter to take the narrow lead into halftime. The Hawks saw their hard work go to waste in the third quarter, where they managed just 20 points. The Hawks got plenty of scoring from their bench players, but they needed more from their starters like Zaccharie Risacher who scored just five points.
Why the Atlanta Hawks will win
- The Hawks have won four of their last five games as home underdogs.
- The Rockets have lost each of their last three Saturday games as favorites.
- The home team has covered the spread in eight of the Hawks' last nine games.
- The Rockets have failed to cover the spread in six of their last seven road games against Southeast Division opponents after winning as underdogs.
Why the Houston Rockets will win
- The Rockets have won each of their last 10 games as road favorites against Southeast Division opponents following a win.
- The Hawks have lost each of their last five home games against Southwest Division opponents that held a winning record.
- The Hawks have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven home games following a road loss.
- The road team has covered the spread in eight of the Rockets' last nine games.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of the Hawks' last eight games at State Farm Arena following a road loss have gone OVER the total points line.
- Four of the Rockets' last five games as road favorites have gone OVER the total points line.
Atlanta Hawks Player Facts
- De'Andre Hunter ranks 7th in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for 3P% (43.3%) this season.
Houston Rockets Player Facts
- Jalen Green ranks 7th in the league for fast break points (141) this season.
- Fred VanVleet ranks 7th amongst qualified players for assist:turnover ratio (3.9) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Hawks rank 30th in the league for Q2 opponent points per game this season (30.9).
- The Hawks rank 30th in the league for H1 opponent points per game this season (61.3).
- The Rockets rank 1st in the league for opponent free throw percentage this season (73.8%).
- The Rockets rank 1st in the league for field goal attempts per game this season (93.9).
Houston Rockets vs Atlanta Hawks Prediction
The Rockets are still a little shorthanded with Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr both out, while the Hawks are still missing Jalen Johnson, and they have Bogdan Bogdanovic listed as questionable. The Rockets come into this meeting as the healthier team playing the better basketball, so it's no surprise to see them open as the favorites on the road. The Hawks have shown glimpses of their potential this season, but they've lost four of their last five games as the injuries pile up. I am looking at the Rockets to take advantage and escape with the win and cover at the short line.