Atlanta Hawks vs Brooklyn Nets Preview (12/9/22): Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds

Brooklyn looks to continue its ascension in the Eastern Conference standings against the Atlanta Hawks, a significantly short-handed squad. Below, there’s an in-depth analysis of both teams and their chances of winning, as well as the injury reports, projected starting lineups, and updated odds!

Atlanta Hawks Vs. Brooklyn Nets Betting Odds

The Atlanta Hawks are 7.5-point road underdogs against the Brooklyn Nets in Barclays Center. Atlanta’s injury report is extensive; it will be without two starters, John Collins and Dejounte Murray, while De’Andre Hunter will likely be a game-time decision. Brooklyn is only missing one player, and he is not a starter. However, Yuta Watanabe happens to be the best three-point shooter (from a percentage standpoint) in the NBA. He will be the only Nets player that won’t suit up.

Atlanta Hawks Vs. Brooklyn Nets Prediction

Brooklyn has surprisingly won five of its past six games; however, all six were played at home, with most of those wins being against inferior competition. The Nets have climbed several spots on the Eastern Conference ladder, as they now are fourth, but I wouldn’t put too much equity into it yet. Their recent wins have been against the Orlando Magic, Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers, Washington Wizards, and Toronto Raptors. Still, for a team that started 1-5, it’s impressive that they’ve been able to fight back to 14-12.

Atlanta has had somewhat of an opposite trajectory as Brooklyn; it started the season 7-3 but has since dropped nine of its past 15. The bottom line: Trae Young has struggled shooting the ball. Young has been wildly inefficient, shooting less than 41% from the field and 29% from deep; he has a worse percentage from behind the arc than Russell Westbrook. His struggles have inadvertently seeped from him to most other teammates, too. The Hawks rank 29th in 3P% (three-point percentage), 25th in eFG% (effective field goal percentage), and 21st in offensive rating. Their only “saving grace” has been on defense, which is ironic because they were awful on that end of the floor last season.

Atlanta will struggle with John Collins and Dejounte Murray sidelined. It doesn’t have the depth or talent necessary to win a road game against Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. Irving should have a field day against Young since Murray won’t be available to defend him. There’s a likelihood that De’Andre Hunter also won’t be available, which will free up Kevin Durant to get “open gym” caliber looks. Brooklyn should cover with little issue.

Betting Trends

• Atlanta is 4-7-1 ATS on the road in 2022-23
• Brooklyn is 5-8-1 ATS at home in 2022-23
• The combined over record of these two teams is 23-28 in 2022-23

Key Matchups

What is the key matchup for this game? You probably could guess it: Kyrie Irving versus Trae Young. Two of the league’s most prolific scoring point guards will duke it out on Friday night. Take a look at the analysis for which player has the advantage below.

Kyrie Irving vs. Trae Young

Atlanta has done a great job hiding Trae Young on the defensive end of the floor, and Dejounte Murray’s arrival has almost everything to do with that. Unfortunately, Murray will be out for roughly two weeks due to an ankle sprain, leaving Young vulnerable.

Interestingly enough, Young has struggled with efficiency throughout his career when playing against Kyrie Irving; his career shooting split is 38/30/88 in those games. Considering Young’s general inefficiency against Irving and his extensive struggles this season, only one conclusion can be drawn. Advantage: Irving.

Atlanta Hawks Starting Lineup

PG: Trae Young
SG: AJ Griffin
SF: De’Andre Hunter
PF: Jalen Johnson
C: Clint Capela

Brooklyn Nets Starting Lineups

PG: Kyrie Irving
SG: Royce O’Neale
SF: Kevin Durant
PF: Ben Simmons
C: Nic Claxton

Key Injuries

Atlanta Hawks Injuries: Dejounte Murray (Out), John Collins (Out), De’Andre Hunter (Q), Trent Forrest (Q)

Brooklyn Nets Injuries: Yuta Watanabe (Out)