Rockets vs. Hawks prediction, odds, pick, spread

We’re back with another betting prediction and pick for Saturday’s NBA slate as we head to Atlanta for the next cross-conference matchup. The Houston Rockets (25-12) will download on Atlanta Hawks (19-19) as the two sides play their first game of the season. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series with Rockets-Hawks prediction and pick.

The Houston Rockets are currently second in the Western Conference and shocked the pundits with their record heading into the All-Star break. They are 7-3 in their last 10 games and riding a three-game winning streak. They will be looking to continue their impressive away record.

The Atlanta Hawks are currently ninth in the Eastern Conference, and last fell to the Phoenix Suns with 123-115. They have split their last 10 games at 5-5, but are just 1-4 heading into this one. He’ll be hoping to bounce back at home after this minor cold streak.

Here’s Rockets-Hawks NBA oddscourtesy of FanDuel.

NBA odds: Rockets-Hawks odds

Houston Rockets: -3.5 (-110)

Moneilines: -172

Atlanta Hawks: +3.5 (-110)

Moneiline: +142

Over: 231.5 (-110)

Under: 231.5 (-110)

How to watch Rockets vs. Hawks

Time: 3:00 PM ET/ 12:00 PM PT

TV: Space City Home Network, Balli Sports Southeast, NBA League Pass

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (Get Access | Save $30)*

Why the Rockets might cover the spread/win

The Houston Rockets have been one of the surprising stories of the NBA season because of how well they’ve evolved as a young team. After a down season a year ago, Jalen Green is back with a vengeance and leads his team in scoring with 20.4 PPG. Alperen Sengun has also taken a huge step in his development and can do it all for this team as he puts together triple-double performances. Watch for this team as a sneaky playoff spoiler if they can get there.

With Fred VanVleet leading them with 5.9 APG and distributing the ball well, each of their players can focus on what they do best as this lineup seems to feed off of itself. Although they have struggled against the Hawks in recent times, this team is certainly different this year and can overcome deficiencies unlike previous ones. They also have a strong 12-6 record on the road this year and enjoy visiting their opponent’s territory and winning.

Why the Hawks could cover the spread/win

The Atlanta Hawks have been up and down this season and are currently in a tough spot. Jaylen Johnson missed their last game against Phoenix and it was clear the lineup had trouble scoring without his versatility on the floor. De’Andre Hunter will take over the role now that he’s finally healthy and back in the lineup, so the Hawks should be able to show some more defensive muscle in this contest as they’ve been much better at home than on the road this year.

The Hawks have gone just 15-23 ATS this season, but are 10-7 overall at home and 7-10 ATS in their building. No. 1 draft pick Zacharie Risacher has evolved with each pass and the Hawks are pleased with his ability to score the ball from mid-range. His size has also made him a willing rebounder and contributes to the length of the lineup as a whole. If he can put together another breakthrough performance, the Hawks should be able to pull this off at home.

Final Rockets-Hawks Prediction & Pick

The Atlanta Hawks will have a great chance to win this game at home, but they will need to see some serious contributions from the likes of Rizaher and Bogdan Bogdanovic off the bench if they want to stay in this game. They certainly have a deeper lineup in terms of their bench players, but the Houston Rockets’ starting five is playing some of their best basketball of the season so far.

In the end, this should be a game where Alperen Sengun dominates the paint and flirts with another triple-double. If the Rockets can get hot from the field, expect Sengun to punch the ball inside and put it out to his shooters for a three. While I expect a close game from both sides, I expect the Rockets to pull away late in this game.

Rockets-Hawks final prediction and pick: Houston Rockets ()