NBA Southeast Battle – Hawks @ Magic

The Atlanta Hawks (22-12 SU, 19-15 ATS, 14-18-2 O/U) have dropped two of its last three, including its 106-102 loss to tonight’s opponent – the Orlando Magic (28-8 SU, 23-12-1 ATS, 16-20 O/U) – on Wednesday in the first half of a home-and-home series that concludes with tonight’s matchup at Amway Arena in the BetOnline Sportsbook.

The Magic won and covered the spread for BetOnline NBA sports betting backers as a 2-point road underdog despite nearly giving away a huge lead in the fourth quarter, getting outscored 32-20 in the final period.

"We exhaled too early," said All-star center Dwight Howard, who recorded "We gave them a chance to come back. … We have to learn to put teams away."

Howard went off for his league-leading 26th double-double with 23 points and 19 rebounds while sweet-shooting forward Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu added 20 points apiece.

While Josh Smith dropped 21 points with nine rebounds to lead Atlanta in its loss, the Hawks  players weren’t pleased with their slow start in their first division loss of the season.

"We have to take what we did in the fourth quarter and learn from that," second-year center Al Horford said. "They had their way (early). Everyone was making their shots. They were executing very well. We eventually came back, but we can’t wait until the fourth quarter to play.

"We can’t spot a team 21 points. It’s dangerous when you play like that, and we have to learn how to not let teams jump out to a big lead on us."

Here is a look at the key betting trends for each team, followed by my in-depth analysis and NBA Free Picks:

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta’s last 6 games on the road

The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta’s last 6 games

Atlanta is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games

Atlanta is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road

Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Orlando’s last 8 games at home

Orlando is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games

Orlando is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home

NBA Odds

Atlanta Hawks +5 -110

Orlando Magic -5 -110

Over 192 -110

Under 192 -110

Analysis: While the Atlanta Hawks say they have a new commitment to defense, I like the Orlando Magic to win this game at home with their prolific offense. However, even in defeat, I like the Hawks to cover the spread as they will come with an outstanding effort tonight after losing to the Magic in their last outing.

Take the Hawks to cover the spread in a narrow loss.

NBA Free Picks: Hawks +5 Points/Over 192 Total Points