Game Time: 7:00 pm ET April 13, 2022
After 82 games, the NBA regular season has finally come to an end and the playoffs are ready to get under way. But first we have four play-in games, with the first being between the Charlotte Hornets and the Atlanta Hawks. The teams split the season series 2-2 and Charlotte took the most recent matchup by a score of 116-106. The Hornets received a major blow to their wing depth when it was announced that Gordon Hayward would not be suiting up for the team. Hayward provides strong play on both ends of the court, and the veteran presence that a young team needs in the playoffs. For Atlanta, it is unclear as to whether or not forward John Collins will be able to suit up, although as of now it seems doubtful that he will.
Both teams bring tremendous offensive abilities led by Trae Young on one side and Lamelo Ball and Terry Rozier on the other. The guard-heavy rotations should lead to a run and gun style of play, with Charlotte scoring at least 124 points in their last three games. Atlanta has very quietly improved their defense this year and will need to keep it going against a Charlotte team that has some surprising depth at all positions. One of the matchups to watch will be if Mason Plumlee can handle Clint Capela in the post, or if Charlotte will need to put PJ Washington against Capela. Washington brings a much more offensive style and can hit the three-ball, but Plumlee is much more of the classic rim protecting center. In a game where the teams match up so well, I’ll be taking the points with Charlotte and betting the +4.5.
Buddy M.
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