Mavericks vs Hawks (April 2): Prediction and Best Bets for Must-Win Matchup for Dallas

The Dallas Mavericks are still alive in the Western Conference playoff race, but their margin for error from here is razor thin. If they can’t find a way to win this evening’s road game against the Atlanta Hawks (6:00 pm ET, NBA TV), they will move even closer to the brink of elimination.

With four games left, the Mavs (37-41) are a game behind the Oklahoma City Thunder (38-40) for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference, with the Minnesota Timberwolves (38-39) and Los Angeles Lakers (39-38) both still within realistic reach as well.

Later tonight, the Mavs will no doubt be rooting for the Phoenix Suns, who visit the Thunder. But they need to help themselves by defeating the Hawks, who could lock up a play-in spot tonight.

How will things transpire in Atlanta, and how should you bet the latest Luka Doncic vs Trae Young matchup? Read on for our Mavericks vs Hawks prediction and betting picks.

Looking for More NBA Picks?

At Betting News, you can find aggregated NBA picks from several reputable industry sources for this and every NBA game.

• Memphis Grizzlies vs Chicago Bulls Prediction, Picks & Player Props (April 2)

And if you are interested in checking out NBA picks from other sources, there are a number of trustworthy sports handicapping services that we recommend.

One of those sources is Doc’s Sports, which has a great offer going right now.

Doc’s Sports offers a lot of free picks and content, but they also offer $60 worth of premium sports picks free for new premium signups.

Dallas Mavericks vs Atlanta Hawks Odds

Odds are via BetOnline as of Sunday, April 2, 2023, at 2:50 pm ET.

Spread

• Dallas Mavericks +3.5 (-110)
• Atlanta Hawks -3.5 (-110)

Over/Under

• Over 246 (-110)
• Under 246 (-110)

Moneyline

• Dallas Mavericks +136
• Atlanta Hawks -162

Will the Hawks Manufacture More Misery for the Mavericks?

There is still time for Dallas to sort things out and get into the play-in, but given that they are 6-15 SU and 7-13-1 ATS in their last 21 games, there isn’t reason for much optimism whether you are a fan or an observer.

There appeared to be some signs of a possible late-season resurgence when they won consecutive road games over the Spurs and Lakers to move to 36-35. But in seven games since then, the Mavs are just 1-6 SU and 2-4-1 ATS.

Will they stop the skid tonight in Atlanta? Recent trends aren’t in their favor, and neither are season-long trends.

In 27 previous instances as an underdog this season, the Mavericks are just 7-20 SU and 11-14-2 ATS. In their last eight games as a dog, Dallas has just one straight-up win–their 111-110 win over the Lakers on March 17–and is 3-4-1 ATS.

The Hawks certainly hasn’t been setting the world alight recently either, going just 4-6 SU and ATS in their last ten games.

Last time out, they suffered a 17-point road loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Friday. But that might be a positive omen for today’s matchup, as they sport one of the better records in the league when it comes to bouncing back.

Entering today, Atlanta is 23-15 SU (60.5%) and 21-16-1 ATS (56.8%) in games following a loss this season. That puts them seventh in SU success rate and eighth in ATS success rate following a loss.

Dallas Mavericks vs Atlanta Hawks Prediction and Picks

Prediction for Dallas Mavericks vs Atlanta Hawks: Hawks to win

Picks for Dallas Mavericks vs Atlanta Hawks: Hawks to cover (Best Value: -3 @ Bovada Sportsbook) & Mavericks/Hawks over (Best Value: over 246 @ BetOnline & Bovada Sportsbook)

Dallas Mavericks vs Atlanta Hawks Player Props

• Trae Young over 35.5 points + assists (Best Value: BetMGM)

In Friday’s loss in Brooklyn, Young did not have his best game (10 points, 3 of 12 FG, 0 of 5 3PT, six assists in 32 minutes). Look for him to be much better tonight against the Mavs.