Atlanta Hawks 2022-23 Betting Guide

Based on where they were a couple of years ago, to last season, the Hawks are moving in the wrong direction. There is upward mobility if it comes together the way they want it to.

Atlanta Hawks

2021-22 Record: 43-39
2021-22 ATS Record: 37-45
2021-22 O/U Record:  43-39

2021-22 Year in Review

Atlanta won in the play-in tournament last spring for the right to be the 8th seed. They did not last long after that though, losing 4-1 to Miami in the first round. Trae Young scored 28ppg during the season but the supporting cast never really found their way.

Atlanta had a lot of wings last year but they trimmed that down midseason by trading away former lottery pick Cam Reddish, who never quite flourished, to New York. All season-long forward John Collins was involved in trade speculation too as the regression mentioned earlier seemed to indicate a major disruption was required. Atlanta's season was a great example of how just making the playoffs is not truly an indicator of success. 

2022-23 Atlanta Hawks Futures

Southeast Division: +145
Eastern Conference: +2500
NBA Title: +5000

Atlanta made one of the more stunning moves of the offseason when they traded for Djounte Murray from San Antonio. Murray was an All-Star last year and appears to be a perfect compliment to Young because of his ability to break down defenses and play strong defense on opposing ball handlers. The concern has to be how Young adapts to not having the ball in his hands as much, he is not really a spot-up shooter. Atlanta also firmly defined its core moving forward by extending 3 and D wing DeAndre Hunter on the eve of the new season. 

Atlanta does not have as much depth as they had heading into last season, but perhaps that is a good thing. It might give a chance for young big man Onyeka Okongwu to finally break through and even the minutes in the middle with Clint Capela. Plus they got their hands on wing AJ Griffin after he sunk in the NBA draft. A year ago, he was considered a Top 5 selection, and just might be that spot-up shooter on the perimeter that Atlanta desperately needs. Atlanta has a foundation but let's see how they build off it. 

Atlanta Hawks - Bet to Consider

Djounte Murray to Lead the NBA in Assists +5000

This is an interesting wager because Young is listed higher on the odds table at +850 (4th). I think it becomes pretty clear early on that Murray is better suited to have the ball in his hands more than Young, who is not selfish, but at the same time is more dangerous when he is looking to score than distribute.

I also think that Murray is probably going to get more minutes overall and more time leading the second unit where he is going to have to aggressively create more action. Murray kind of reminds me of a slower John Wall, who can actually play defense. This bet could be worth a flier and will be helped that Young often gets banged up too.

I also think the Southeast is going to be close this season. Miami is not going to pull away like last year so the division future is a decent bet.