MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES @ ATLANTA HAWKS
Basketball : North America : NBA
Thursday, February 2nd, 2012, 7:30PM US
(12:30AM GMT)

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TEAM STATS

MEMPHIS - Total 11-10 :: Home 7-3 :: Road 4-7 :: Last10 6-4
ATLANTA - Total 16-6 ::: Home 8-1 :: Road 8-5 :: Last10 8-2

PREVIEW

Memphis won their last game, against Denver in OT, while Atlanta are home following a nice road-trip, and are on a 3 game unbeaten streak.

When you consider Atlanta are 8-1 at home this season, and 8-1 in recent games against Memphis, the Hawks are the pick for likely winners of this match.

But what of the spread? Well, the spread is set at 4, which is a tad low, in my opinion. I think it's being influenced by Memphis beating Denver 100-97 as 1 point underdogs.

But look back a bit further and you'll notice this is hardly a reliable team at the moment. Memphis previously lost by 10 at home against San Antonio as 6 point favourites, by 2 at Phoenix as 2 point favourites and also away at the Clippers and Portland.

Memphis are 11-10 overall and playing on the road. I don't trust them. Memphis have failed to cover the spread in each of their last 7 losses, meaning when they lose, they lose convincingly.


Memphis are getting outscored by 6 points on the road, while Atlanta have almost a 6 point differential over their opponents when at home, where they have lost just once.

Only Miami have come into Atlanta and beaten the Hawks, who have shown time and time again that they are never out of it, even when behind.

Memphis have a days rest, just like Atlanta, who blew Toronto out 100-77 just 2 nights ago. I don't think this Memphis team travels well and coupled with the recent trends, that's all I need to make a decision.

BETTING VERDICT

Atlanta is the pick tonight, and I'll take them to cover the 4 point spread.

The Pick :

Atlanta Hawks

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take the Atlanta Hawks -4 @ 1.96