Don't Bet the Hawks as Underdogs Unless You Think They'll Upset

I’m going to take you all back to Feb. 8, when I noticed a wild betting trend involving the Atlanta Hawks. 

That day, while writing a Hawks-Indiana Pacers preview, I noticed that the Hawks were 0-28 against the spread in games they lost during the 2021-22 season. It’s a wild stat, but one I certainly expected to change at some point this season. 

Well, that isn’t the case. 

After losing Game 2 of their first round series to the Miami Heat by 10 points, the Hawks are now a shocking 0-41 against the spread in losses this season. 

You read that right. 

Now, the Hawks have their season on the line in Game 3 against the Heat on Friday, and they are 1.5-point underdogs at WynnBET at home in that matchup. Should you bet on Atlanta? 

Atlanta Hawks Are Dreadful as Underdog This Season

Not only have the Hawks failed to cover in a loss, but they have really struggled as underdogs this season as well. 

Hawks Against the Spread as Underdogs

• Road Underdogs: 6-20
• Home Underdogs (they are in Game 3): 4-3
• Overall as Underdog: 10-23

While Atlanta is a little better at home, this Miami team isn’t going to be a pushover. Atlanta has struggled handling the ball in this series, averaging 18.5 turnovers per game, and All-Star guard Trae Young has turned it over 16 times through two games in this series. 

Whether you believe in Atlanta to stay in this series or not, don’t fall into the trap of betting on the Hawks to cover. It literally hasn’t happened in a loss all year, so just bet Atlanta to win if that’s the side you come to for Friday’s game.

How should you navigate the NBA playoffs and futures market? The BetSided has you covered in the NBA edition of "Fraud or Future!"