NBA East Free Picks – Knicks vs. Pistons and Wizards vs. Hornets

ATLANTA HAWKS -1.5 over Utah Jazz

The Jazz have emerged as a definitive sleeper team that every Western Conference contender is viably afraid of. The Hawks? They’re fourth in the Eastern Conference currently, trying their best to fend off the blazing Miami Heat. The Jazz are a balanced defensive team, but their road record is a little worrisome.

Utah may be undefeated in their last five games, and 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in Atlanta, but these two teams have not faced each other often in the last few years. The last time they played in Atlanta was 2007, and the Hawks won 116-111. The last two games have been in Utah, where the Jazz have handedly dispatched of the Hawks. With their road scoring at 101.2 and their road defense giving up 98.9 points, this game will push the OVER for the Jazz, but the rowdy Hawks will make a statement by taking down a heavy contender in the West.

New Orleans Hornets -7.5 over WASHINGTON WIZARDS

Have the Wizards entered “tanking mode” yet? Most likely. This team roles out a bunch of bench guys with Jamison holding down the fort, but are just 3-6 ATS in their last 9 at home, with a 1-5 SU record in their last 6 games as well. The Hornets are coming off a rough loss to the Hawks, and while Washington has shown no recent signs of life against strong teams. Bet Hornets to take down the Washington Wizards and improve their 7-1 SU record over the last 8 games.

ORLANDO MAGIC -8 over Chicago Bulls

I’ve pegged Rafer Alston to take a nose dive and drag the hopeful Magic with him, but Alston has been steady in his tenure as a Magic point guard. Orlando is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games, and while they’ve had trouble covering at home (2-4 ATS in their last 6 at home), they’ve always been strong against the Bulls. Recently, they’ve had a 4-2 ATS record versus Chicago. No matter how good Rose is, bet on the Magic to cover in the UNDER.

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS -6.5 over Toronto Raptors

The Raptors can’t do anything right. I’m serious. They’re horrible. They haven’t covered in five games and are just 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games. As fans from the Great White North struggle to convince themselves that Andrea Bargnani is a viable starter, bet on the 76ers to dispatch the Raptors and improve their 1-4 ATS record when playing at home. There’s nothing that makes me feel comfortable about endorsing the Raptors on the road right now.

New York Knicks +6.5 over DETROIT PISTONS

The Knicks have always found success when playing Detroit, going 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games. With a soft cushion, and a win in their pocket from last night, expect the suddenly surging Knicks to snap the streak that Detroit has recently enjoyed. Detroit managed a 98-94 win over Orlando two nights ago, while playing at home, but I’m betting on the fact that they don’t take the Knicks seriously and get tripped up in the process. Bet the UNDER as always when Detroit’s at home.