Atlanta Hawks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Play-In Tournament Picks, Predictions and Odds

The Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers will square off in the final Eastern Conference Play-In game on Friday, April 15. Check out our expert picks, predictions, and odds here.

The NBA Play-In Tournament wraps up on Friday night as the eighth-seed Cleveland Cavaliers host the ninth-seed Atlanta Hawks in a win-or-go-home battle. The Cavaliers have won just three of their last 10 games, whereas the Hawks have surged to win eight of their last 10. Which young star will step up, Darius Garland or Trae Young?

Don’t forget to check out our other NBA Playoffs picks for today as well.

Here are my picks and predictions for Thursday’s NBA matchup between the Hawks and the Cavs. (Odds via DraftKings)

Atlanta Hawks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Game Info

Date/Time: Friday, April 15 at 7:30PM

TV: ESPN

Location: Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, Cleveland, Ohio

Click here to learn how to watch!

Atlanta Hawks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Odds Analysis

• Hawks +1.5 (-110)
• Over 228 (-110)

Atlanta Hawks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Predictions

Hawks +1.5 (-110)

For as good of a story as the Cleveland Cavaliers have been this season, they’ve been the victim of poor timing of injuries to their key cogs. Losing Jarrett Allen for so long has robbed them of what was a top-five defense for the first half of the season. The remains have been a defense that lacks focus and the versatility that was so critical throughout the key stretches of good play.

We’ve seen that unfold over the last three months since the All-Star break. Cleveland has won just nine games since February 11, often due to poor defense. This will be an issue against an Atlanta team that is clicking on all offensive cylinders. Atlanta has scored 113 or more in each win since March 11.

The last time these teams played was a good rubric for what will happen this game. Not only will Atlanta cover but they’ll win as the road dog. The Hawks won 131-107 on March 31. Trae Young and Kevin Huerter led a barrage from three-point land.

The Cavs can score well but their lack of secondary ball handlers will show against a high-powered offense that can pour on the points.

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Over 228 (-110)

The Cavs haven’t ruled Jarrett Allen out yet and that’s the potential saving grace for their defense. It’s too optimistic to think that Allen will suddenly return to the lineup and be that much of a swing player. He’s excellent, but he’s the third-most important player on the Cavs at any given time.

The issue with the Cavs’ roster versus the Hawks’ roster is the lack of playmaking and shooting. Cleveland is hesitant to shoot from deep, whereas the math will always favor the high-volume, efficient three-point shooting teams. Unfortunately that’s Atlanta’s bread and butter.

The over is almost a lock. Atlanta can get to 120 or more with relative ease as Young cuts through the heart of the defense for layups or kick-outs. Cleveland will reach 100 too. I’m sure we’ll see at least eight other points for the rest of the game. 

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