This is the fourth and final meeting of the regular season between Central Division rivals Detroit and Atlanta. Detroit has won the previous three matchups, two of them from the friendly confines of the Palace. This is a potential playoff preview as if the season ended today these teams would be ranked (2) vs (7) and meet in the first round. Detroit comes in off a trashing of the Charlotte Bobcats. The win was their 8th in a row and they have had plenty of contributions from the bench. The "zoo crew" has amassed 87 points in the last two games to help alleviate the starters minutes in comfortable victories. Atlanta is coming into the matchup off two losses in a row. They got blown out in Houston on Saturday night but are plenty rested for this game.
Detroit won the first matchup in what was the best game of the season series. It came down to Billups free throws in the waning seconds for Detroit to escape with the victory. The Hawks always seem to play Detroit tough in the palace and this was no exception. In the prior two meetings Detroit has won by 11 and 120 points respectively. This is the Hawks last chance before a potential playoff battle to get a win over Detroit. The similarities to Orlando last year are there. he Magic also couldn't get past Detroit in the regular season and had little to no confidence by the time the first round series rolled around.
The Hawks are a respectable 16-10 at home this season. They have historically been a very good home dog for us the past few years. Detroit is 17-9 on the road and already has big road wins at Orlando, Boston, Golden State and San Antonio this season. They know how to win on the road. The key in CAPPING this game is whether or not they ome to play. The bench has been huge lately and should be just fine tonight. Atlanta is a very athletic team that will give the starters trouble at times. Hamilton versus Johnson is always an intriguing matchup as those two have great battles. I personally will love seeing the Stons bench versus the athletic Hawks team overall.
So, who wants this game more? The Hawks in my opinion. Who, if they play their game will win by double digits? Detroit. Obviously. Atlanta still is a mediocore team that will only get better the rest of this season and into the future. The scary thing for Detroit chalk bettors is that this Atlanta team has shown up plenty of times this year and in recent seasons as a dog of 1-7 points or so and sprung the outright upset. Detroits focus is obviously key. This is the "trap" time of the NBA season and buyers beware. Many got burned with the LA Lakers heer at Phillip last week and even the Mavericks in Philly last night.
My recommendation:
Stay away from side. The number is holding steady. Don't like that.
Lean towards the over here.
Final
Detroit 100-97
GL with your wagers.
Detroit won the first matchup in what was the best game of the season series. It came down to Billups free throws in the waning seconds for Detroit to escape with the victory. The Hawks always seem to play Detroit tough in the palace and this was no exception. In the prior two meetings Detroit has won by 11 and 120 points respectively. This is the Hawks last chance before a potential playoff battle to get a win over Detroit. The similarities to Orlando last year are there. he Magic also couldn't get past Detroit in the regular season and had little to no confidence by the time the first round series rolled around.
The Hawks are a respectable 16-10 at home this season. They have historically been a very good home dog for us the past few years. Detroit is 17-9 on the road and already has big road wins at Orlando, Boston, Golden State and San Antonio this season. They know how to win on the road. The key in CAPPING this game is whether or not they ome to play. The bench has been huge lately and should be just fine tonight. Atlanta is a very athletic team that will give the starters trouble at times. Hamilton versus Johnson is always an intriguing matchup as those two have great battles. I personally will love seeing the Stons bench versus the athletic Hawks team overall.
So, who wants this game more? The Hawks in my opinion. Who, if they play their game will win by double digits? Detroit. Obviously. Atlanta still is a mediocore team that will only get better the rest of this season and into the future. The scary thing for Detroit chalk bettors is that this Atlanta team has shown up plenty of times this year and in recent seasons as a dog of 1-7 points or so and sprung the outright upset. Detroits focus is obviously key. This is the "trap" time of the NBA season and buyers beware. Many got burned with the LA Lakers heer at Phillip last week and even the Mavericks in Philly last night.
My recommendation:
Stay away from side. The number is holding steady. Don't like that.
Lean towards the over here.
Final
Detroit 100-97
GL with your wagers.