Hornets vs. Hawks Play-In Preview: Odds, Lines, Predictions

The Charlotte Hornets face their toughest challenge of the season on Wednesday, April 13. In a one-game, win-or-go-home play-in game, the Swarm face off against one of the division rivals, the Atlanta Hawks. With Atlanta coming off of an Eastern Conference Finals appearance last season, Charlotte needs to play a near-perfect game to pull off the upset.

Keys to the Game

Force the Hawks to make mistakes. Atlanta has one of the most efficient offenses in the league. Ranking seventh in field goal percentage, second in three-point percentage, fourth in free throw percentage, first in fewest turnovers, and seventh in fewest fouls committed, the Hawks play a clean brand of basketball. If the Swarm can force turnovers, limit fouls, and contest threes, they can beat Atlanta at their own game.

Score! This is not going to be a defensive bout. With Charlotte and Atlanta both possessing top-six scoring offenses and bottom-10 scoring defenses, this one is going to be a shoot out. Thankfully, this favors the Hornets style of play. Despite their high-scoring playmakers, the Hawks rank 20th in pace, while the Swarm rank sixth. If it turns into a run-and-gun track meet, the Hornets have the advantage. They may have to score 130+ to win, but it certainly doable for the Swarm.

Odds and Moneyline provided by BetUS

Point Spread: Hornets +5.5

Money line: Hornets +180 / Hawks -220

Over-Under: 235.5

Final Prediction

The Swarm are underdogs once again heading into a play-in game. At 235.5 total, the over is the clear play. The difference maker is going to be the Hawks’ home court advantage. With the home crowd in their corner, the Hawks pull off the win in a nail-biter. Despite LaMelo Ball’s impressive game on a nationally-televised stage, the Swarm fall yet again in the play-in. The Swarm are just one season away from playoff greatness.