Atlanta Hawks vs. Brooklyn Nets Pick & Prediction APRIL 10th 2025

Preview and Prediction

Accumulating points is not necessarily the issue for the Atlanta Hawks. Halting their opponents is another matter altogether.

While the Hawks have secured one of the four play-in spots in the Eastern Conference, they would like to demonstrate some form of progress on the defensive end when they face the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday.

The Hawks are the highest-scoring team (117.9) among the three play-in teams in the East and fifth overall. They have scored at least 110 points in 18 of their last 20 games. However, the Hawks (37-42) are conceding an average of 119.7 points per game, which is only better than the Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, and Utah Jazz.

Atlanta has allowed 115 or more points in their last 10 games and 120 or more in 42 games. The Hawks have a record of 10-32 when giving up 120 or more points, and one of those losses was a 122-114 defeat in Brooklyn on March 16 during a 7-2 stretch.

Since their hot streak ended with a 132-119 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, the Hawks have gone 2-6 in their last eight games. Their most recent loss was a 119-112 setback to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday.

The Hawks allowed the Magic to shoot 53.5 percent and score 66 points in the first half. This was the sixth time in seven games that Atlanta has allowed 60 or more points in the opening half.

"When we defend, we have a chance to get out and possibly get some easy points," said Atlanta coach Quin Snyder after his team allowed their opponents to shoot 50 percent or better from the floor for the 34th time. "On the flip side, if we turn the ball over, we might give up some easy points and then we're taking the ball out of the net, which are tough plays. They're worth more than two or three points because of what we give up on the offensive end."

While the Hawks continue to struggle defensively, Trae Young finished with 28 points and 10 assists, and Onyeka Okongwu tied his career high with 30 points and 14 rebounds. Young has recorded double-doubles in nine of his last 10 games, while Okongwu has double-doubles in 11 of his last 17.

The Nets (26-53) lost six straight games after scoring 66 points in the second half against the Hawks, but they have gone 3-2 in their last five games. In their previous meeting with Atlanta, the Nets' starting lineup consisted of Cameron Johnson, Tyrese Martin, Jalen Wilson, Nic Claxton, and Keon Johnson.

Only Claxton and Wilson played on Tuesday when the Nets ended a five-game home losing streak with a 119-114 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. The Nets used their 41st different starting lineup, and Trendon Watford scored 11 of his 22 points in a 43-point third quarter before six first- or second-year players finished the game.

Drew Timme recorded career highs of 16 points and nine rebounds in his sixth game as a Net, helping Brooklyn get 66 points from their second unit. Dariq Whitehead added 14 points and has made 12 of his last 24 attempts from 3-point range in his last three games.

"I'm very excited because it shows continuity," said coach Jordi Fernandez about the young players who helped the Nets score 115 or more points for the 16th time this season. "That's what we want. We don't want to start over every season. This is a good start. These guys are driving the culture and doing it on their own."

PREDICTION

Atlanta Hawks

124

111

Brooklyn Nets

Atlanta vs. Brooklyn Recap JAN 1TH 2021