Dallas Mavericks at Atlanta Hawks 10/21/21 - NBA Picks & Predictions

In the first game of a Thursday night NBA on TNT doubleheader, the Dallas Mavericks will invade State Farm Arena to take on the Atlanta Hawks. The Mavericks finished 12 games above .500 last season and were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the LA Clippers. All-Star G Luka Doncic led Dallas with 27.7 points to go along with 8.6 assists and 8.0 rebounds per game.

On Friday, Dallas outscored Milwaukee by 16 points during the second quarter of a 114-103 road victory against Milwaukee. G Jalen Brunson led the Mavericks with 17 points, six rebounds, and five assists. 

The Atlanta Hawks blossomed under the leadership of head coach Nate McMillan and advanced to the Eastern Conference Championship. The Hawks won 27 of their final 38 regular season games once McMillan took over for Lloyd Pierce and were greatly improved on defense. Trae Young led Atlanta in scoring (25.3 ppg) and assists (9.4 apg).

Last time out, Atlanta raced out to a 16-point after one quarter and cruised to a 127-92 home victory versus Miami. Trae Young exploded for 27 points and 15 assists in 30 minutes of action for the Hawks.