NBA Basketball
2011-12-28 - Washington Wizards at Atlanta Hawks
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball
Wednesday 28 December 2011 - Tip Off 7:30pm ET
12:30am (British Standard Time)
Preview
The Atlanta Hawks (1-0) play their second game of the season a night after demolishing the New Jersey Nets in a short trip north. Atlanta will be hoping that is a sign of things to come in a tough Eastern Conference dominated by the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls, and they will be hoping for a much better season at home than they gave last season.
They host the Washington Wizards (0-1) tonight who come into this one having blown a big lead in an eventual home loss to the New Jersey Nets. The Wizards are not expected to be a dangerous force in the Eastern Conference this season, and their depth in the roster is a little disappointing.
The loss to the Nets has seen some of the players voice their displeasure at the way they are being used in the rotation. Particularly vocal was Andre Blatche who feels he was used in an ineffective manner, while John Wall wants them to play more like a team than a collection of individuals.
On the other hand, Atlanta were very happy with the way they played on both sides of the ball as 6 players reached double-digits in terms of scoring, while they can cause plenty of problems defensively. The 70 points allowed to the Nets was the lowest total they have given up since 1999.
Washington come to Atlanta having lost 6 in a row here by an average of 12 points per game.
Head to Head
Atlanta are 4-1 against the spread in their last 5 home games against Washington.
In fact, Washington are just 3-8 against the spread in the last 11 games in the series overall.
Atlanta are 1-0 against the spread this season, Washington are 0-1.
Other Interesting Trends
Atlanta are 5-2 against the spread in their last 7 games as the home favourite of between 5 and 10.5 points.
They are 8-3 against the spread in their last 11 games following a straight up win.
Washington are 1-4 against the spread in their last 5 games as the road underdog given between 5 and 10.5 points.
They are 11-26 against the spread in their last 37 games on the road.
Prediction
I am going to back the Atlanta Hawks to win and cover the spread for the following reasons:
First, Atlanta have a wonderful record here against Washington, winning their last 6 by an average of 12 points per game.
Second, they may have played last night, but the Hawks did not have to use too much energy and I expect them to be more than ready to go tonight.
Third, Washington seem to have some problems knowing their individual roles in the rotation, and players are not really looking out for one another.
The Pick :
Atlanta Hawks 98-86 Washington Wizards
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
I'll back the Atlanta Hawks -9 Points @ 1.95
