After starting the season 3-0, the Atlanta Hawks (5-5) have lost five of their last seven games. The Hawks run into a Utah Jazz (7-4) team that’s currently riding a three-game winning streak. In NBA COVID-19 news, both Atlanta and Utah had its most recently scheduled game cancelled due to health and safety precautions.
NBA betting is in full swing, as the online sports betting world withstands the fallout of the novel coronavirus. It’s wise to fill up your betting slips while you still can, and this Hawks vs Jazz matchup is an excellent opportunity. The most recent NBA odds on our sportsbook show Utah as six-point home favorites against Atlanta.
Atlanta Hawks (5-5) at Utah Jazz (7-4)
Friday, Jan 15 at 9:05pm EST on NBA League Pass
Vivint Smart Arena- Salt Lake City, Utah
Hawks vs Jazz Betting Vitals
Point Spread: Jazz -6
Money Line: Hawks +200, Jazz -240
Total Points: 224½
Onyeka Okongwu’s Hawks Debut
The Hawks are hoping that the No. 6 overall pick in the 2020 draft, Onyeka Okongwu, gives them a boost. Okongwu’s much-anticipated debut is finally here, and the big man from USC should have an immediate impact. Atlanta must be salivating over the prospect that Okongwu and star PG Trae Young gel and make sweet music.
Okongwu helped Chino Hills High School win back-to-back state titles, earning him California’s Mr. Basketball award in 2018 and 2019. The 6’9, 235 pound PF/C went on to play one season at USC, averaging 16.2 PPG and 8.6 RPG. The Hawks expect big things from Okongwu, and his professional NBA career begins Friday night in Utah.
Jazz In Top-Four & Rising
The Utah Jazz have won three consecutive contests, and are gaining steam in the Western Conference. They are currently tied for third in their hyper-competitive conference, behind PG Donovan Mitchell and C Rudy Gobert. Mitchell is averaging 23.4 PPG while dishing five assists per game, while Gobert is a defensive and rebounding machine.
It’s reasonable for the Jazz to be considered an elite team in the West, and they may even vie for the top-seed before it’s all said and done. The L.A. Lakers still appear to be head and shoulders above the rest of the West, but it’s still early. Mitchell signed a contract extension with Utah in late 2020 because he believes they can win the NBA Championship. The Jazz are well-rounded, and Mitchell is clearly a clutch player.
Hawks vs Jazz Betting Tidbits to Consider
The Jazz should definitely win this home game against the Hawks, but they’re unlikely to cover the spread. Utah is 1-4 ATS in its last five home games, and 8-23-2 ATS in its previous 33 games as a favorite. Meanwhile, Atlanta is 4-1 ATS over its five most recent road games, and is 8-3 ATS over its last 11 games vs a team over .500.
NBA Free Pick ATS: Atlanta Hawks +6
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