1st Half Betting – Atlanta Hawks at Toronto Raptors

Atlanta Hawks at Toronto Raptors 1st Half

The Hawks are in Toronto tonight, starting off a very busy night of NBA basketball. There are nine games in all and many wagering options for each at the BetOnline Sportsbook.

The Raptors have finally put together a good streak, and are 6-1 ATS in their last seven. I’m not sure if it’s the pressure being off, a weak schedule or a return to health, but they’re looking like the mediocre-decent Eastern Conference team everyone expected them to be at the beginning of the year.

The Hawks are moving in the opposite direction, going 1-5 ATS in their last six. Their once vise-like grip on the four seed is down to only a two game advantage. However, it’s not like Philly, the current five seed, is setting the world on fire with their play. I wouldn’t expect either team to be too pumped up, but at the same time I doubt either will come out totally flat.

Now that the stage is set, on to the pick. The Raptors’ nice streak and the Hawks’ bad run obviously make the Raptors the more attractive bet. We can push it further in our favor, though, by betting the 1st half spread rather than the full game. That’s because the Hawks have been slow starters all season, while the Raptors have been solid to start but choke artists down the stretch. So I like the Raptors on the 1st half betting line. Here are the prices:

1st Half Spread:

• Toronto Raptors +0.5pt -110
• Atlanta Hawks -0.5pts -110

Check out the following stats and trends for more info and further confirmation that the Raps look good as an underdog in the 1st half of this game:

1st Half Betting Trends:

• The Raptors have a -1.3 point differential in the 1st half this season.
• The Hawks have a -0.8 point differential in the 1st half this season.
• The Raptors have a +1.0 point differential at home in the 1st half.
• The Hawks have a -4.3 point differential on the road in the 1st half.
• The Raptors are 5-2 SU in the 1st half in their last seven.
• The Raptors are 4-2 SU in the 1st half in their last six games against Atlanta.
• The Hawks are 1-4-1 SU in the 1st half in their last six.

Pick: Toronto Raptors +0.5 -110 (1st Half Handicap)