Hawks vs Jazz Picks and Predictions: Tonight's Matchup is Music to Young's Ears

For different reasons, the Utah Jazz and Atlanta Hawks didn’t envision being in the play-in spots this season — but both are scuffling around .500 as they collide in Utah tonight.

The rollercoaster ride in Atlanta continues to deliver mixed results, but the Hawks have won six of their last 10 games and are coming off a dominant 132-100 victory over the Suns on Wednesday, paced by 21 points from Dejounte Murray.

The Jazz are still chugging along in a crowded Western Conference playoff race. Lauri Markkanen was among All-Star reserves named this week, and the forward was the main man again in Wednesday's 131-128 win over the Raptors.

Find out more in our free NBA picks and predictions for Hawks vs. Jazz on February 3.

Hawks vs Jazz best odds

Hawks vs Jazz picks and predictions

There’s nothing like an All-Star snub to send a superstar into attack mode — and while he may not be at the very top of the snub list, Trae Young certainly had a solid case with his 27 points and almost 10 assists per game this season.

Sure, the Atlanta Hawks are sitting right at .500 and Young has seemingly been at the heart of tension with the coaching staff in Atlanta, but I expect the two-time All-Star to take it personally that he was left off the Eastern Conference roster.

That spells trouble for the Utah Jazz.

Mike Conley has looked sharper defensively since the calendar flipped to 2023, but Young is one of the toughest assignments in the league and he’ll find favorable matchups against Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton.

With a point to prove, look for Atlanta's star guard to be aggressive early. Walker Kessler and Lauri Markkanen give the Jazz excellent rim protection, but Young is an expert at navigating the paint and drawing contact. It would be no surprise to see one or both of those big men in foul trouble.

While Young was cold from 3-point range by his standards in January, he drilled all three of his triples against the Suns on Wednesday night. His backcourt mate Dejounte Murray has been cooking lately too, but there should be enough possessions and enough shots for both to shine in what’s set up to be a fast-paced contest.

I’m taking the Over here and counting on Young to make a statement to the coaches who didn’t select him as an All-Star reserve.

My best bet: Trae Young Over 27.5 points (-147)

Hawks vs Jazz spread analysis

These are two evenly matched teams and the -1.5 line reflects that, with the Jazz getting the slight edge as the home team. Utah has been solid against the spread all season (30-23-0) and has won three of its last four games. 

The Hawks are 13-15 on the road this year and their performances have been all over the map, with wins in Dallas and Sacramento and losses in Orlando and Houston. This is the third stop on a five-game road trip and there was a lot to like in the way they blew out the Suns on Wednesday. The question, as always with Atlanta, is whether this team can deliver that type of performance consistently.

The Jazz are 5-0 ATS in their last five home games against teams with a losing road record and 5-1 ATS in their last six home games overall. With the trade deadline fast approaching, tonight could be an audition for several Utah players who could well end up on playoff contenders next week.

Hawks vs Jazz Over/Under analysis

Both teams rank in the Top 10 in points per game this season, so it’s only natural that the oddsmakers have jacked the total line up into the 240-point neighborhood. The Jazz grabbed a 125-119 win in the teams’ first meeting of the season back in November and there’s every reason to expect a similar shootout tonight.

Even with the hefty line, the Over looks like the right play. It’s hit in the Hawks’ last four games and it’s 6-2 in the Jazz’s last eight games playing on one day’s rest. Atlanta has scored 125 points or more in three of its last four games, while the hosts have reached the 120-mark in three of their last four. 

Although it’s worth noting that six of the last seven meetings in Utah have cashed in the Under, the current versions of these two teams have scorers galore. Four players put up 17 points or more for the Jazz in Wednesday’s win over the Raptors.

Hawks vs Jazz betting trend to know

The Hawks have struggled in this matchup lately, losing the last six meetings and going 1-5 ATS. Find more NBA betting trends for Hawks vs. Jazz.

Hawks vs Jazz game info

Hawks vs Jazz key injuries

Pages related to this topic