Brooklyn Nets vs Atlanta Hawks Picks and Predictions October 29th 2025

Atlanta Hawks vs Brooklyn Nets Game Preview

The Atlanta Hawks travel to Barclays Center to face the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 7:30 PM ET. Both teams are struggling to start the season — Atlanta at 1-3 and Brooklyn at 0-4 — and each desperately needs a spark before October closes.

Atlanta continues to search for offensive rhythm and defensive consistency as Trae Young adjusts to frequent lineup changes. Meanwhile, Brooklyn’s defensive breakdowns have reached historic levels, allowing a franchise-record 522 points through four games.

Line Movement and Odds

• Spread: Hawks -8.5 (-109), Nets +8.5 (-113)
• Moneyline: Hawks -317, Nets +254
• Total: 238.5 (Over/Under)

Get the latest line updates on the NBA odds page and verified picks from experts in the NBA picks section.

Atlanta Hawks Outlook

The Hawks enter Brooklyn following a frustrating 128-123 loss to the Chicago Bulls, where Trae Young’s 21 points weren’t enough to close the deal. Atlanta has played inconsistently through four games, largely due to a lack of lineup continuity. Kristaps Porzingis returned from illness with 27 points, while Jalen Johnson added 25 after missing two games with an ankle issue.

Atlanta’s offense has yet to fully click — the Hawks rank 21st in field goal percentage (45.5%) but 10th in assists per game, showing potential for improved flow once chemistry builds. The bigger concern is defense: they’ve allowed 122.8 points per game and are 24th in rebounding efficiency.

Coach Quin Snyder emphasized rebounding and perimeter discipline after Chicago’s 10-2 closing run buried Atlanta. With Brooklyn’s shooters capable of heating up quickly, the Hawks will need collective focus to avoid another fourth-quarter collapse.

Injury Report

• Zaccharie Risacher (F) – Probable, Ankle
• De’Andre Hunter (F) – Questionable, Knee
• Onyeka Okongwu (C) – Out, Hip

Brooklyn Nets Outlook

The Nets’ 0-4 start marks their worst opening since 2015-16, and defensive woes are to blame. Brooklyn has allowed 130.5 points per game and surrendered 137 to Houston on Monday. Coach Jordi Fernandez didn’t mince words, calling the team’s lack of focus “unacceptable.”

Offensively, the Nets still have capable scorers. Terance Mann led with 21 points against the Rockets, while Michael Porter Jr. added 18. Cam Thomas, who exploded for 40 points in San Antonio, was limited to nine on 4-of-13 shooting. Brooklyn ranks fourth in three-pointers made (16 per game), but their defense has been too porous to capitalize on that strength.

Nic Claxton’s inconsistent production has compounded the problem — just 26 points over his last three games — and rookie Egor Demin (foot) and Ziaire Williams (back) remain questionable. Brooklyn’s path to victory hinges on rediscovering effort and closing defensive gaps inside.

Injury Report

• Egor Demin (G) – Questionable, Foot
• Ziaire Williams (F) – Questionable, Back
• Ben Simmons (G/F) – Out, Rest

Key Matchup / Path to Victory

The duel between Trae Young and Cam Thomas highlights this clash of struggling offenses. Young’s playmaking versus Brooklyn’s weak perimeter defense could tilt the balance early. Atlanta’s frontcourt advantage with Porzingis and Johnson must also pressure Claxton and force mismatches in the paint.

Brooklyn can stay competitive if they control pace and lean on their perimeter shooting, but given their defensive issues and lack of cohesion, stopping Atlanta’s pick-and-roll game will be a major challenge.

Betting Trends

• Hawks are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games against the Nets.
• Nets are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games.
• Over is 4-1 in the Hawks’ last 5 games overall.
• Nets have hit the Over in 7 of their last 10 games at home.

Prediction

The Hawks’ offense should find its footing against a Brooklyn defense that has yet to show resistance. If Trae Young can control tempo and Porzingis continues to stretch the floor, Atlanta should secure a comfortable road win.

Projected Score: Hawks 120, Nets 112
Best Bet: Nets +8.5 (-113)
Total Lean: Under 238.5 (-110)

For more verified betting analysis, visit the NBA expert betting guide and the handicappers leaderboard.