The Phoenix Suns (27-25 SU, 28-24 ATS) look to nail down sole possession of a spot among the top six in the Western Conference standings with a seventh straight home victory when they host the faltering Atlanta Hawks (25-26, 22-28-1) in Wednesday NBA action.
The Suns opened a two-game homestand with Monday’s 114-106 win over Toronto and are now in a virtual dead heat with Golden State and Dallas in the race for fifth place in the West. The Hawks opened their five-game western swing with Monday’s 129-125 loss in Portland to fall to 1-4 straight up in their past five games, including defeats in two of their past three road dates.
Latest Betting Notes: Hawks
The Hawks were forced to hit the floor without leading scorer Trae Young in Monday’s loss to the Trail Blazers. Young sat out due to an ankle injury, but reports have indicated the injury is not severe, raising expectations that the talented point guard will return to action Wednesday night.
The 24-year-old was enjoying a steady run before getting sidelined, tallying 32 points per game over his two most recent outings and recording double-doubles in seven of his past nine contests.
With Young on the shelf, Dejounte Murray stepped up to carry the Hawks attack in Monday’s loss, potting a season-high 40 points, and has now averaged 27.6 points per game over his past five road appearances.
Latest Betting Notes: Suns
After enduring a dismal start to 2023, the Suns have regained their form during a steady 6-1 SU run, showing improvement at both ends of the court during their resurgence.
The Suns have allowed just 107 points per game over their past seven contests after giving up 127.7 points per game over the final three dates of their preceding 2-12 swoon. And their average production of 115.7 points marks a dramatic improvement after failing to reach 110 points in 10 of their previous 14 outings.
The Suns’ resurgence comes despite the continued absence of leading scorer Devin Booker, who has been sidelined since suffering a groin injury on Christmas Day. Mikal Bridges has stepped up to fill the void in Booker’s absence, leading the way with 29 points in Monday’s win, and has averaged 23 points over his past nine contests.
Hawks Player Prop: De’Andre Hunter UNDER 15.5 Points
De’Andre Hunter has shown flashes of his offensive potential of late, including an impressive 25-point performance in the Hawks’ 122-118 home win over Charlotte 10 days ago. Overall, Hunter averaged a respectable 17.1 points in January. However, he has averaged less than 11 in his past three road dates and facing a tightened-up Suns defense, he offers value as a -104 bet to record UNDER 15.5 points on Wednesday night.
Suns Player Prop: Mikal Bridges OVER 26.5 Points, Rebounds and Assists
Reports out of Arizona have suggested that Devin Booker could return to action sometime this week, and in the unlikely event he sees action on Wednesday, it would have an impact on the betting value of several Phoenix shooters. Mikal Bridges has thrived with greater responsibility in Booker’s absence. And while Booker’s return could impact Bridges’ point production, his recent steady performance, and this team’s overall turnaround, should add confidence in the -120 odds he sports to tally OVER 26.5 total points, rebounds and assists against the Hawks.
