Posted on
3/12/2008 3:45:52 PM
NBA Basketball Betting Lock Alert – Houston Rockets at Atlanta Hawks
By Eric Williams
While the Houston Rockets, (43-20 SU, 38-24-1 ATS, 27-35-1 O/U), enter tonight’s matchup against the struggling Atlanta Hawks, (26-37 SU, 28-34-1 ATS, 29-34 O/U), looking to become just the third team in NBA history to win 20 consecutive games, the Hawks are still scratching their collective heads after acquiring veteran point guard Mike Bibby from the Sacramento Kings on Feb. 16 and promptly going 4-9 in 13 games since the trade despite being just on the fringe of reaching the eighth and final spot in the eastern conference playoff race.
The Hawks added another loss to their record in their last game, losing to the Orlando Magic on the road 123-112 on Monday.
Not only have the Rockets won 19 consecutive games, but have also covered the spread in the BetUS.com Sportsbook in an outstanding 11 straight games, including their last contest, a 91-73 rout of the New Jersey Nets on Monday.
"I told them (Monday) they have a double whammy going," coach Rick Adelman said. "Not only do you have a chance to do something remarkable and get this streak going and keep it going, but also, every time you win, you keep shortening the season and you keep that lead that you have over other people and you're moving up the standings."
Houston has been using their stellar defense to routinely shut opponents down, limiting their foes to just 89.3 points per game during their extended winning streak.
"Defense wins ball games and that's what we're great at," Rockets swingman Tracy McGrady said.
The Hawks on the other hand, are giving opponents a free pass to drive to the basket, while playing minimal defense during their five-game losing streak.
"If you can't stop anybody at any point in the game, you're not going to win," Hawks head coach Mike Woodson said. "We've got to regroup and get back to defending the ball because teams that do that, win."
Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my analysis and NBA Betting Picks.
The Rockets are 6-0 ATS in their last six road games vs. a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600.
The Rockets are 6-0 ATS in their last six games vs. a team with a losing S.U. record.
The Hawks are 5-2 ATS in their last seven home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of greater than .600.
The Hawks are 3-7 ATS in their last ten games following a SU loss of more than ten points.
The Over is 5-1 in Rockets last six when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
The Over is 4-0 in Hawks last four Wednesday games.
The Home team is 7-0 ATS in the last seven meetings.
The Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Atlanta.
Analysis: This pick is as simple as taking candy from a baby. Not only do the Rockets win this game outright, but the pull off another rout against the Hawks tonight.
NBA Free Picks: Houston -7 Points/Under 197 Total Points
07:05 PM EST NBA Betting Odds
Houston Rockets -7 -110
Atlanta Hawks +7 -110
Over 197 -110
Under 197 -110
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