ATLANTA vs MEMPHIS
When: 12/26/2020 5:00 PM
Where:

TV: 5:00 PM
LINE: 1.5
PREDICTION: MEMPHIS , ATLANTA

Oddsmakers currently have the MEMPHIS listed as 1.5 point favorites versus the ATLANTA, while the game’s total is sitting at 238.

The Atlanta Hawks and Memphis Grizzlies saw a lot of each other during the preseason.

Now they meet Saturday in Memphis in a game that counts.

Both teams opened the season Wednesday. The Hawks hammered the Chicago Bulls 124-104 on the road, while the Grizzlies were whipped 131-119 at home by the San Antonio Spurs.

The teams split two games during the preseason with the Grizzlies winning the first game 128-106, but the Hawks winning the return match 117-116.

The Grizzlies easily defeated the Hawks in both meetings last year and have won the last three head-to-head contests at home. Last season, Memphis won by 39 in Atlanta to set a franchise record for its largest road victory. Five days later the Grizzlies won by 17 in Memphis.

In the season-opener Wednesday, the Grizzlies wasted a career-high 44 points from Ja Morant, one shy of matching the franchise record. Last year’s NBA Rookie of the Year scored 34 points in the second half, but was disappointed with the loss.

“I’m not happy at all,” said Morant, who also had nine assists in the opener. “We came up short. So, learning from this game and prepare for the next.”

Morant totaled 37 points and 11 assists in two games against Atlanta last season.

Jonas Valanciunas scored 15 points and had 13 rebounds in the opener. He has been a matchup problem for the Hawks for years and last season had 27 points and 17 rebounds in their second meeting. He averages 12.8 points and 9.2 rebounds in 24 career games against Atlanta.

“We have this group we think is genuinely special,” Memphis GM Zach Kleiman said. “It’s on me, it’s on us to continue to grow this group, to continue to build.”

Atlanta had a great shooting night in the opener, scored 42 points in the first quarter, 41 in the second quarter and led 83-59 at halftime. The Hawks shot 53.8 percent from the floor and had seven players in double figures.

Trae Young scored 37 with seven assists and six rebounds in 26 minutes. Young was 10-for-12 from the field and 5-for-6 on 3-pointers.

“Just being able to go out there and put on a show in the first game was really good,” Young said. “Not every night obviously is going to be like this, but it’s really good to have an opening game like this.”

Free-agent signees Bogdan Bogdanovic (15 points, seven rebounds) and Danilo Gallinari (13 points) had successful Atlanta debuts. Holdovers Cam Reddish (15 points) and John Collins (14 points) were equally dependable.

“All of our guys played well,” Atlanta coach Lloyd Pierce said.

Atlanta held out Kris Dunn (right knee), Clint Capela (sore left Achilles), Rajon Rondo (COVID-19 protocols), Tony Snell (foot) and rookie Onyeka Okongwu (foot).

Memphis was without Killian Tillie (hamstring), Xavier Tillman (knee) and Jontay Porter (knee), but all are day-to-day. Jaren Jackson Jr. (left knee meniscus surgery) and Justise Winslow (left hip displacement) are out.

The post ATLANTA vs. MEMPHIS 12/26/2020 Odds, Picks & Preview appeared first on IdealCapper.

ATLANTA vs KANSAS CITY
When: 12/27/2020 1:00 PM
Where:

TV: 1:00 PM
LINE: -10.5
PREDICTION: KANSAS CITY , ATLANTA

Oddsmakers currently have the KANSAS CITY listed as -10.5 point favorites versus the ATLANTA, while the game’s total is sitting at 54.

Home-field advantage in the playoffs is a select prize this season after the NFL amended its playoff structure so seven teams from each conference qualify and only the top seed draws a first-round bye.

The Kansas City Chiefs (13-1) are in prime position to earn the weekend off in the AFC. Nonetheless, the reigning Super Bowl champions are reluctant to acknowledge their superiority entering a home game Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons (4-10).

“Never bank on others; get your guys ready to go,” said Chiefs coach Andy Reid, who insisted he would not study playoff scenarios to shape alternative lineup plans.

“If you go there,” he added, “then you get your tail kicked. I don’t allow myself to go in that direction. We’ve got to maximize ourselves against a team that’s playing hard. These games that they’ve lost, over half of them have gone into the fourth quarter.”

By beating or tying the Falcons, the Chiefs can clinch the top seed in the AFC playoffs and with it, a first-round bye and home-field advantage. Other scenarios could assure the Chiefs of the top spot, but they seem focused on variables they can control.

“If you keep winning games,” said quarterback Patrick Mahomes, “those things have a way of working out on their own.”

Kansas City’s dominance during a season marred by unprecedented challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic includes a nine-game winning streak and the announcement this week of seven Pro Bowl selections.

A 14th regular-season win would establish a franchise record.

Travis Kelce needs 60 yards receiving to break the NFL record for tight ends held by San Francisco’s George Kittle (1,377). Kelce also needs two receptions to become the first NFL tight end with 100 catches in back-to-back seasons.

The fact that each of Kansas City’s last six opponents have kept the outcome to a one-score margin could encourage Atlanta, which has seven losses by one score.

Discouraging, however, is that the Falcons are No. 31 in the NFL in passing yards allowed, especially going against a Chiefs team ranked first in average passing yards.

Mahomes has thrown for 36 touchdowns against five interceptions. He leads the NFL with 4,462 passing yards. The Falcons’ Matt Ryan is third (4,016).

Much of the attention thrust on the Falcons regards openings for a head coach and general manager. The team confirmed Wednesday that Raheem Morris will receive an interview. The interim coach said he looks at the totality of his job in that prism.

“Everything you do in these moments are interview-type moments,” Morris said.

Morris will use the last two games to look at running back Ito Smith, who moved ahead of Todd Gurley in the rotation.

Receiver Julio Jones continues to be slowed by a hamstring injury that kept him out the last two games. Other Atlanta starters who missed practice Wednesday were cornerback Darqueze Dennard (quad), center Alex Mack (concussion) and guard James Carpenter (groin).

Rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle, hip) will miss the game for the Chiefs, though his injury is not as severe as initially thought. Tyreek Hill (hamstring) was withheld from Wednesday’s practice as a precaution. Linebacker Anthony Hitchens is in COVID-19 protocol but could play.

The post ATLANTA vs. KANSAS CITY 12/27/2020 NFL Odds, Pick & Preview appeared first on IdealCapper.

SEATTLE vs ATLANTA
When: 9/13/2020 1:00 PM
Where:

TV: 1:00 PM
LINE: 0
PREDICTION: ATLANTA , SEATTLE

Oddsmakers currently have the ATLANTA listed as 0 point favorites versus the SEATTLE, while the game’s total is sitting at 49.5.

The post SEATTLE vs. ATLANTA 9/13/2020 NFL Odds, Pick & Preview appeared first on IdealCapper.

NEW ORLEANS vs ATLANTA
When: 8:20 PM ET, Thursday, November 28, 2019
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

TV: 8:20 PM
LINE: 6.5
PREDICTION: ATLANTA , NEW ORLEANS

Oddsmakers currently have the ATLANTA listed as 6.5 point favorites versus the NEW ORLEANS, while the game’s total is sitting at 50.

The post NEW ORLEANS vs. ATLANTA 11/28/2019 NFL Odds, Pick & Preview appeared first on IdealCapper.

ATLANTA vs DENVER
When: 9:00 PM  ET, Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Where: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Atlanta), Altitude 2 (Denver)
LINE: -11
PREDICTION: Nuggets 110, Hawks 95

Oddsmakers currently have the DENVER listed as -11 point favorites versus the ATLANTA, while the game’s total is sitting at 209.5.

The Denver Nuggets just need to keep the game close in the final seconds and star center Nikola Jokic will provide the winning touch. Jokic will try to follow two straight game-winners when the Nuggets host the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday.

Jokic capped the largest fourth-quarter comeback – from 21 points down – in franchise history with a jumper with 1.2 seconds left in a 100-97 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday and knocked down a jumper with 2.4 seconds remaining in overtime on Sunday to provide the winning margin in a 100-98 victory at Minnesota. “This is just adding to the legend of Nikola Jokic,” Denver coach Michael Malone told reporters. “… I didn’t doubt (the game-winner). Even if it didn’t (go in), I’m going to live with it because he’s our best player. He’s an MVP candidate for a reason. He’s got two game-winners back-to-back, showing everybody why he’s a special player.” The Hawks did not get off to a great start on their five-game west coast trip with a 124-113 overtime loss at Portland on Sunday – their third consecutive setback. “I’ve got to watch the film and see some of our breakdowns,” Atlanta coach Lloyd Pierce told reporters of being outscored 17-6 in overtime. “They just had a different spirit and we got caught in a couple plays and shots don’t go down.”

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Atlanta), Altitude 2 (Denver)

ABOUT THE HAWKS (3-6): Point guard Trae Young did his best to keep Atlanta in the game on Sunday with 35 points and 10 assists for his second consecutive 30-point double-double. The 21-year-old is averaging 26.3 points and 8.4 assists but also matched a season high with seven turnovers on Sunday. Helping shoulder the scoring load of late is forward Jabari Parker, who stepped into the starting lineup when John Collins was suspended and is averaging 26 points and 9.5 rebounds over the last two contests.

ABOUT THE NUGGETS (7-2): Denver swingman Will Barton has been an impact player since coming back from a toe injury and made up for a poor shooting night with 12 rebounds, five assists and two steals in Sunday’s win. “He’s such a complete player,” Malone told reporters of Barton. “Will had it going and I wanted Will and Nikola to make the play. Will found him and Nikola took care of the rest. Right now, Will is playing at a high level for us.” Barton was part of a defensive effort that held Minnesota to 35.1 percent from the floor, including 6-of-45 from 3-point range.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Nuggets PF Paul Millsap recorded his first double-double of 2019-20 with 14 points and 10 rebounds on Sunday.

2. Hawks SG Allen Crabbe (knee) could make his season debut Tuesday.

3. The teams split the two-game series in each of the last two seasons, with Denver earning a 138-93 home win over Atlanta last season.

PREDICTION: Nuggets 110, Hawks 95

The post ATLANTA vs DENVER 11/12/2019 Odds, Picks & Preview appeared first on IdealCapper.

PHILADELPHIA vs ATLANTA
When: 8:20 PM ET, Sunday, September 15, 2019
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

TV: 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC.
LINE: Eagles -1.5.
O/U: 52.5
PREDICTION: Eagles 28, Falcons 24

Oddsmakers currently have the ATLANTA listed as 1 point favorites versus the PHILADELPHIA, while the game’s total is sitting at 51.

The Philadelphia Eagles aim to begin a season with a 2-0 mark for the second time in four years on Sunday night when they visit the Atlanta Falcons, who are looking to avert an 0-2 start for the first time since 2007. The Eagles were able to overcome a 17-point deficit in their 32-27 win over Washington while Atlanta was unable to climb out of a four-touchdown deficit in its 28-12 setback to Minnesota.

Philadelphia’s Carson Wentz established quick chemistry with the returning DeSean Jackson on a pair of long scoring strikes to highlight his three-touchdown performance versus the Redskins. “Once again, this is his show, and he is driving the car,” said the 32-year-old Jackson, who reeled in eight receptions for 154 yards against his former team. Pennsylvania-born Matt Ryan was intercepted twice and sacked four times to put the Falcons in a sizable hole versus the Vikings while a banged up offensive line did little for Devonta Freeman, who had eight carries for 19 yards and a fumble. “I don’t want to make (it about) one game … that’s not indicative of who I think we will be. Or, who we were in that game,” Atlanta coach Dan Quinn said.

ABOUT THE EAGLES (1-0): While it’s transparent that wideout Alshon Jeffrey (receiving and rushing touchdown) and tight end Zach Ertz will have significant impacts on the passing game, it’s not exactly clear how Philadelphia’s congested backfield will play out this season. Speedy rookie Miles Sanders and veteran Darren Sproles each had 12 touches in the opener while offseason acquisition Jordan Howard amassed 55 scrimmage yards on just 17 plays. “Sometimes it’s the hot hand,” Eagles coach Doug Pederson said, “but sometimes it’s based on game plan and who is in at that particular time.” Defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, who is nursing a toe injury, has registered 3.5 sacks in his past four games against Atlanta and had 7.5 of his 10.5 sacks last season on the road.

ABOUT THE FALCONS (0-1): Julio Jones, who found the end zone in the fourth quarter to salvage his season-opening performance, has recorded five 100-plus-yard efforts in six all-time meetings with Philadelphia. Another such performance would be Jones’ 50th of his career and likely push his receiving yard total (10,762) past former teammate Roddy White (10,863). Fellow wideout Calvin Ridley also scored a late touchdown against Minnesota and returns to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where he collected six receiving scores in eight games during his rookie season in 2018. Tight end Austin Hooper continues to provide a trusted outlet for Ryan after reeling in a team-leading nine catches in the opener.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Ryan has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 16 consecutive contests dating to Atlanta’s 18-12 loss to Philadelphia in the 2018 season opener.

2. The Eagles agreed to terms with Akeem Spence and placed fellow DT Malik Jackson (foot) on injured reserve.

3. Atlanta’s Jamon Brown will play RG in place of first-round pick Chris Lindstrom, who was placed on injured reserve with a broken foot.

The post PHILADELPHIA vs. ATLANTA 9/15/2019 NFL Odds, Pick & Preview appeared first on IdealCapper.

ATLANTA vs MINNESOTA
When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, September 8, 2019
Where: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

TV: 1:00 PM
LINE: -4
PREDICTION: MINNESOTA , ATLANTA

Oddsmakers currently have the MINNESOTA listed as -4 point favorites versus the ATLANTA, while the game’s total is sitting at 47.5.

The post ATLANTA vs. MINNESOTA 9/8/2019 NFL Odds, Pick & Preview appeared first on IdealCapper.

WASHINGTON vs ATLANTA
GAME: Washington Nationals (22-32) at Atlanta Braves (30-24)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 28 – 7:20 PM EST
WHERE: SunTrust Park, Cumberland, Georgia

TV: 7:20 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), FS Southeast (Atlanta)
LINE: -105
PREDICTION: Braves 2, Nationals 1

Oddsmakers currently have the ATLANTA listed as -105 point favorites versus the WASHINGTON, while the game’s total is sitting at 8.5.

The Washington Nationals spent the weekend improving their record by taking three of four games from Miami, but the schedule gets much tougher starting with the opener of a two-game series Tuesday at the Atlanta Braves. The Nationals dropped six of seven entering the weekend set with Miami, and head to Atlanta at 10-16 in May to face a Braves team that has won 12 of its past 16 contests and sits eight games ahead of Washington in the National League East standings.

Washington dropped the series finale at home against Miami 3-2 on Monday, getting a double from Juan Soto as the outfielder extended his hitting streak to a career-best 11 games – giving him a .463 average during the run with six doubles, a triple, two homers and 11 RBIs. Atlanta comes home 1 1/2 games behind Philadelphia in the NL East after a successful 5-2 road trip, capped by scoring three runs in the ninth inning Sunday before plating the go-ahead run in the 10th for a 4-3 victory at St. Louis. Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson is hitting .317 with a .973 OPS, four homers and nine RBIs and only four strikeouts in 41 at-bats during his current nine-game hitting streak. Atlanta has not faced Washington this season, after going 10-9 against the Nationals a season ago en route to the NL East championship.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (4-3, 3.25 ERA) vs. Braves LH Max Fried (7-2, 2.88)

Strasburg is enjoying one of his best seasons despite Washington’s struggles, posting a career-best 0.99 WHIP while averaging 10.9 strikeouts per nine innings and ranking second in the NL entering the week in strikeouts (87). The 30-year-old is 2-2 with a 2.62 ERA in five May starts while holding opponents to a .212 batting average and striking out 39 against eight walks. after giving up two earned runs on five hits over seven innings Thursday at the New York Mets. Strasburg, who has allowed two earned runs or fewer in six of his past seven starts, is 11-11 with a 4.07 ERA in 30 career starts against Atlanta.

Fried has emerged as a potential All-Star through the first two months of the season, entering the week tied for the NL lead in wins while ranking sixth in ERA and 11th in WHIP (1.12). The 25-year-old started the season with two relief appearances, but has posted a 2.96 ERA in 10 starts since joining the rotation with 51 strikeouts, 11 walks and a 1.12 WHIP over 54 2/3 innings. Fried, who gave up two runs on four hits across six innings Wednesday at San Francisco to win his third consecutive start, has allowed one run on two hits over three innings in two appearances (one start) lifetime against Washington.

WALK-OFFS

1. Braves rookie LF Austin Riley is hitting .333 through his first 12 major-league games with two doubles, five homers, eight runs scored and 14 RBIs.

2. Washington 3B Anthony Rendon had a walk among four plate appearances Monday, extending his streak of reaching base safely to 14 games.

3. Atlanta optioned RHP Kyle Wright to Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday, and is expected to bring OF Matt Joyce off the bereavement list for Tuesday’s series opener.

PREDICTION: Braves 2, Nationals 1

The post WASHINGTON vs. ATLANTA 5/28/2019 MLB Odds, Pick & Preview appeared first on IdealCapper.

ATLANTA vs SAN FRANCISCO
GAME: Atlanta Braves (26-23) at San Francisco Giants (21-26)
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 22 – 9:45 PM EST
WHERE: Oracle Park, San Francisco, California

TV: 9:45 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Atlanta), NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco)
LINE: 145
PREDICTION: Braves 4, Giants 2

Oddsmakers currently have the SAN FRANCISCO listed as 145 point favorites versus the ATLANTA, while the game’s total is sitting at 7.5.

The San Francisco Giants staged an unlikely late rally to even up their four-game set against the visiting Atlanta Braves and look to gain the upper hand when the series continues on Wednesday. San Francisco scored three runs with two outs in the ninth inning on Tuesday, with Joe Panik’s two-run single giving it a 4-3 victory.

Kevin Pillar ignited the rally with an RBI single and Panik finished with two hits for the Giants, who have won three of their last four contests. Panik has been swinging a hot bat, as he has hit safely in seven of his last eight games and 17 of 19. Four of the first five batters in Atlanta’s lineup registered a pair of hits and the top six combined to go 10-for-25 as the club suffered its second loss in three contests following a four-game winning streak. Freddie Freeman delivered an RBI single for the Braves to extend his hitting streak to seven games.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves LH Max Fried (6-2, 2.86 ERA) vs. Giants RH Jeff Samardzija (2-2, 3.69)

Fried posted his third win in four starts this month on Friday as he limited Milwaukee to two hits and two walks over six scoreless innings. The 25-year-old Californian also kept the ball in the park, ending his string of five consecutive turns having served up a home run. Fried made his only career appearance against San Francisco in relief on May 4, 2018, when he gave up one hit – a solo blast – in two frames.

Samardzija’s winless streak reached four starts on Friday as he yielded three runs on five hits and three walks over 5 1/3 innings in a loss at Arizona. The 34-year-old native of Indiana, who failed to record a strikeout for the first time this season in the setback, has worked more than 5 1/3 frames on just one occasion in 2019 – a victory over Colorado on April 11 in which he tossed seven scoreless innings. Samardzija owns a 3-2 record and 3.00 ERA in seven starts and six relief appearances against Atlanta in his career.

WALK-OFFS

1. Braves OF Ronald Acuna Jr. is enjoying the seven-game road trip thus far, as he has gone 5-for-8 with a pair of home runs over the first two contests of the trek.

2. Freeman has hit safely in 11 of his last 12 games, registering six multi-hit performances in that span.

3. San Francisco placed LHP Travis Bergen (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list and recalled 2B Donovan Solano from Triple-A Sacramento.

PREDICTION: Braves 4, Giants 2

The post ATLANTA vs. SAN FRANCISCO 5/22/2019 MLB Odds, Pick & Preview appeared first on IdealCapper.

ATLANTA vs SAN FRANCISCO
GAME: Atlanta Braves (26-22) at San Francisco Giants (20-26)
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 21 – 9:45 PM EST
WHERE: Oracle Park, San Francisco, California

TV: 9:45 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS Southeast (Atlanta), NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco)
LINE: 105
PREDICTION: Braves 6, Giants 2

Oddsmakers currently have the SAN FRANCISCO listed as 105 point favorites versus the ATLANTA, while the game’s total is sitting at 8.

The Atlanta Braves have gotten off to a good start on their seven-game road trip that has followed a 4-2 homestand. Atlanta looks to begin the trek with back-to-back wins when it continues its four-game series against the San Francisco Giants.

Ronald Acuna Jr. was the offensive star for the Braves, going deep twice during a 3-for-4 effort for his second career multi-homer performance. The 21-year-old Venezuelan deposited the first pitch of the game over the left-center field wall for his 10th career leadoff blast and second in two days. Mike Soroka allowed one run and two hits over a career-high eight innings and rookie Austin Riley also went deep for Atlanta, giving him three homers in his first six major-league contests. Brandon Crawford recorded one of the Giants’ two hits, belting a solo shot as the club failed in its attempt for a third three-game winning streak this season.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Julio Teheran (3-4, 3.88 ERA) vs. Giants RH Shaun Anderson (0-0, 3.60)

After losing his final three starts of April, Teheran has pitched extremely well this month, allowing a total of one run over 17 innings in three outings. The 28-year-old Colombian has recorded only one victory in that span, however – a triumph over St. Louis on Thursday in which he gave up two hits and four walks over five scoreless frames. Teheran has made six career starts against San Francisco, going 2-3 with a 3.93 ERA.

Anderson made his major-league debut on Wednesday, when he yielded three runs – two earned – on two hits and three walks in five innings of a no-decision against Toronto. The 24-year-old Floridian made an impression with his bat, however, going 2-for-2 with a double. Anderson made seven starts for Triple-A Sacramento before being recalled, going 2-1 with a 4.11 ERA while registering 37 strikeouts over 35 frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Giants recalled LHP Andrew Suarez, who gave up three runs on four hits and four walks over six innings in his season debut on Monday, from Sacramento and optioned 2B Donovan Solano to the River Cats.

2. Atlanta acquired Anthony Swarzak and cash from Seattle on Monday for fellow RHP Arodys Vizcaino and LHP Jesse Biddle while optioning RHP Wes Parsons to Triple-A Gwinnett.

3. San Francisco received RHP Matt Seelinger from Tampa Bay to complete last week’s trade that sent C Erik Kratz to the Rays and assigned him to Single-A Augusta.

PREDICTION: Braves 6, Giants 2

The post ATLANTA vs. SAN FRANCISCO 5/21/2019 MLB Odds, Pick & Preview appeared first on IdealCapper.