Spurs vs. Hawks NBA expert prediction and odds for MLK Day (Bet the Spurs)

The San Antonio Spurs’ rebuild has gone as expected. The Spurs are firmly in the basement of the Western Conference but recently won two games in a row against two of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference (Detroit and Charlotte). Are the Spurs a good bet Monday afternoon against another struggling squad in the east?

Atlanta has lost two straight, four of five, and eight of 11. The Hawks are coming off back-to-back double-digit losses at home (Indiana and Washington) after starting its five-game homestand with an overtime win over Philadelphia.

Here’s the betting preview for Monday’s matchup.

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Spurs vs. Hawks how to watch

• Date: Monday, Jan. 15
• Game time: 3:30 p.m.
• Venue: State Farm Arena
• How to watch (TV): TNT
• Spurs record: 7-31
• Hawks record: 15-23

Spurs vs. Hawks injury reports

San Antonio Spurs injury report

• Zach Collins (ankle): out
• Sidy Cissoko (ankle): out
• Doug McDermott (ankle): questionable

Atlanta Hawks injury report

• Wesley Matthews (calf): out
• Vit Krejci (shoulder): out

Spurs vs. Hawks key players to watch

San Antonio Spurs

Devin Vassell: The fourth-year shooting guard appears to be a piece of San Antonio’s future alongside No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama. In 33 games (27 starts), Vassell is averaging 18 points (for the second consecutive year), 3.2 assists, and 3 rebounds per game while shooting a career-high 46% from the field.

Atlanta Hawks

Jalen Johnson: The third-year small forward is having a career year for the struggling Hawks, averaging highs of 15 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. He’s also shooting a career-high 57.9% from the floor and 40% from beyond the arc.

Dejounte Murray: The veteran shooting guard has been subject to trade rumors with the deadline less than a month away. The former Spur has averaged 20.7 points per game over the last two seasons in Atlanta and he’s scored 22-plus points in six of the last seven games.

Spurs vs. Hawks prediction and pick

Atlanta has the No. 4 scoring offense in the league at 121.7 points per game, but the Hawks have struggled to sink shots over the last two games, shooting just 39.5% (72-for-182) in losses to the Pacers and Wizards.

San Antonio’s defense could be the cure for Atlanta’s offensive woes. The Spurs rank No. 26 in the league in scoring (121.7 points per game), effective field goal percentage, and allow the second-most three-pointers per game (14.2). Still, San Antonio’s been able to play hard in recent games, winning two before hanging with the Chicago Bulls on Saturday, covering as a 6.5-point underdog.

Furthermore, it’s hard to lay a big number with a Hawks team that is 4-16 as a favorite this season and San Antonio has covered its last four games as an underdogs against Chicago, Cleveland, Milwaukee, and Memphis.