High Flyers – Atlanta Hawks at Boston Celtics

Expect Another Nail-Biter Between Hawks, Celtics Tonight – Atlanta at Boston

The Atlanta Hawks (43-32 SU, 41-33-1 ATS, 34-39-2 O/U) have dropped three of four coming into tonight’s matchup including its 98-85 loss to Philadelphia on Tuesday night.

The Hawks failed to cover the spread in the BetOnline Sportsbook as 2-point road underdogs despite getting a game-high 33 points from forward Josh Smith as final score played Under the 193-point O/U total in the BetOnline Sportsbook.

The Boston Celtics (57-19 SU, 39-37 ATS, 36-39-1 O/U) have won three straight games and seven of its last eight overall including its thrilling 111-109 double overtime win over Charlotte on Wednesday.

Paul Pierce drained a game-high 32 points for the Celtics wile Ray Allen added 22 points including the game-winning three-pointer though the Celtics failed to cover the 8-point spread, as home favorites.

Point guard Rajon Rondo added 21 points while the 220 combined points played well Over the 181-point O/U total.

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NBA Free Picks.

• The Hawks are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600.
• The Hawks are 14-4 ATS in their last 18 games as an underdog of 5.0-10.5.
• The Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
• The Celtics are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 Friday games.
• The Home team is 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
• The Over is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.
• The Under is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings in Boston.
• The Hawks are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Boston.

NBA Odds:

• Atlanta Hawks +6 -110
• Boston Celtics -6 -110
• Over 186 -110
• Under 186 -110

Analysis: While I like the Boston Celtics to win this contest at home and improve their grip on the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, I don’t see them beating the Hawks by a bunch of points tonight, particularly playing without emotional leader Kevin Garnett.

The Celtics win this contest, but the cover goes to Atlanta.

NBA Free Picks: Hawks +6 Points/Under 186 Total Points