NBA Betting Line – Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks Are Going to Show Cavs They Are For Real
With both teams having just eight losses apiece, the Hawks and Cavs are about to show some clear distinctions in the Eastern Conference. Atlanta is just 1.5 games back of the conference leading Celtics and Cavs. While the Cavaliers won’t be able to prove anything until the playoffs, the Hawks need to secure big wins against big teams to make their case for real.
Boosting Atlanta as an NBA sports betting pick is their 8-2 SU/ATS record over the last 10 games. At home they’re 12-2 SU and in their last 6 hostings they’ve gone a stern 5-1 ATS. Of course, it doesn’t help they haven’t beaten Cleveland in their last five tries, and they’re 4-8 ATS in the last 12 times they’ve hosted the Cavs.
Cleveland, on the other hand, is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games and 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games. Of course the Cavs have been proving that they’re a strong road team going 3-1 SU in their last 4 road games overall beating the Lakers, Kings and Suns and losing to Dallas. Against the Hawks, they’ve proven their ability to win consistently, and an injury to Joe Smith may mean that LeBron won’t have anybody on the court to stop him.
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Cleveland Cavaliers (24-8) vs. Atlanta Hawks (21-8)
Tuesday, December 29th
Philips Arena, Atlanta — 7:00pm EST
NBA Betting Line: Atlanta -2 (193)
As big of a statement game as this is for the Hawks, it serves as a summit for LeBron and the Cavs to prove that they are the bees knees (sorry I just felt like using that expression today) in the Eastern Conference. Though littered with roster deficiencies across the board, the Cavs are still one of the best teams in the league because of LeBron and Mo Williams’ ability to literally blow up on command.
Of course, it doesn’t help that the Hawks have a certain sharp shooter looking for a max contract next year too. Joe Johnson, who I believe to be the deadliest shooter in the league not named Ray Allen, can certainly reassert and boost his value in the upcoming free-agent melee of 2010 by having huge games against teams like the Magic and Cavs.
I expect Johnson and Horford to keep this game close, and while I always think that a tight line in a statement game favors LeBron, it’s very difficult for me to encourage you to bet against the Hawks under any circumstances when they’re at home. Bet safely on the Hawks as both teams go conservative and hold this game in the UNDER. Smith will be a tentative play tonight with a thumb injury and that will lead the Hawks to play possession ball. In the Philips Arena, the Hawks are always the bet when they play against Eastern Conference teams.
Furious Free Pick: Atlanta -2 (UNDER)
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