Atlanta Hawks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Early Season Showdown
Atlanta Hawks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Early Season Showdown
As the NBA season heats up, the Atlanta Hawks (2-0, 0-2 ATS) prepare to face the Oklahoma City Thunder (1-0, 1-0 ATS) on Sunday. This matchup promises excitement, especially as the Thunder complete a back-to-back, having played the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night. The Hawks recently secured a narrow 125-120 victory against the Charlotte Hornets, just missing the cover as 5.5-point favorites, while the Thunder opened their campaign with an impressive 102-87 win over the Denver Nuggets, winning outright as 2.5-point underdogs.
Atlanta Hawks: Strong Start, Room for Improvement
The Hawks have kicked off their season on a high note, winning their first two games at home. Despite being favored in both contests, they failed to cover the spread, highlighting an area for improvement. Last season, Atlanta finished 10th in the Eastern Conference and suffered an early exit in the play-in tournament against the Chicago Bulls. This year, they aim to capitalize on a stronger start.
Trae Young is at the forefront of Atlanta’s success, delivering a stellar performance with 38 points and 10 assists against the Hornets. Now entering his seventh season, Young has consistently averaged over 25 points per game in his previous five seasons and is currently showcasing his elite skills by averaging 34 points and 11 assists early on. The Hawks opted to trade Dejounte Murray and have welcomed Dyson Daniels into the backcourt. The young guard is off to a solid start, averaging 16.5 points while providing strong defensive contributions.
De’Andre Hunter is another standout player, contributing 18.0 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Jalen Johnson, at 6’8″, adds versatility with his shooting ability, averaging 13.5 points and 8.5 rebounds. Clint Capela, the anchor in the paint, may not be a high scorer, but his defensive presence is invaluable.
The Hawks also have Bogdan Bogdanovic as a key shooter off the bench, though he missed the last game due to a hamstring injury and is listed as a game-time decision. Rookie Zaccharie Risacher has shown promise, contributing in both games thus far. With their fast-paced playstyle—averaging the ninth-most possessions per game—the Hawks thrive when Young orchestrates the offense.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Making a Statement
The Thunder started their season with a statement victory over the reigning MVP Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. Despite entering the game as 2.5-point underdogs, they led throughout the second half, ultimately securing a 15-point win. According to DraftKings, they are currently -115 favorites to claim the top seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again showcased his All-NBA talent, scoring 28 points and dishing out eight assists in the opener. The 6’6″ guard has been a standout performer, averaging 30.1 points last season and demonstrating efficiency in both mid-range and three-point shooting.
Chet Holmgren, in his second season after missing his rookie year due to injury, also made an impressive debut against the Nuggets, recording 25 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks. His presence is crucial for the Thunder as they look to build on this strong start. Jalen Williams, another promising scorer, contributed 12 points in the opener but averaged 19.1 points last season.
Lu Dort is known for his defensive prowess, and while he had a quieter game in the opener, his consistent scoring over the past four seasons makes him a vital asset. Isaiah Joe rounded out the starting five, providing additional ball-handling and shooting capabilities.
With a mix of young talent and veteran experience, the Thunder are poised to compete at a high level this season. Their fast-paced style—evidenced by their 16th-ranked possessions per game—allows them to capitalize on transition opportunities and find open shooters.
Conclusion
As the Hawks and Thunder prepare for this highly anticipated matchup, both teams have much to prove. The Hawks aim to maintain their unbeaten record, while the Thunder look to build on their successful opener. With standout performances from both Trae Young and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Unlock Winning Insights!
As Packers and Jaguars battle it out, make sure you have the best information at your fingertips. Our data packages provide in-depth analysis and statistics that can help you make informed decisions and increase your chances of winning big this season!
Don’t miss out! Click the button below to explore our data packages and elevate your game strategy today!
