Posted on
3/19/2008 9:24:38 PM
NBA Basketball Odds Atlanta Hawks at New Jersey Nets
By Eric Williams
The Atlanta Hawks, (29-38 SU, 31-35-1 ATS, 32-35 O/U), are finally getting accustomed to playing alongside all-star caliber point guard Mike Bibby after acquiring the high-scoring point guard from the Sacramento Kings just over one month ago and the team couldn’t have picked a better time to start coming together as they desperately try to reach the playoffs for the first time since the 1998-99 season.
"He's starting to get comfortable with our players, and they're starting to get comfortable with him," Atlanta head coach Mike Woodson said.
The Hawks come into tonight’s matchup against the New Jersey Nets, (28-38 SU, 25-39-2 ATS, 30-34-2 O/U), riding a three-game winning streak.
"I think our chances are good. It's in our hands," said Bibby, who had 23 points against the Wizards. "You never really want to leave it up to anybody else to try to get into the playoffs. I want to impress upon these guys that it's there for us to take and we've got to go do it."
The Nets have lost seven of their last ten in the BetUS.com Sportsbook including an emphatic 112-96 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday.
"Very disappointing, our effort," Nets swingman Vince Carter said. "We're playing for more than just to end the season this year - we're playing to continue our season. We can't have these types of showings if you want to make the playoffs."
The Nets are just 3-6-1 against the spread in their last ten games while the Hawks are 4-6 against the spread over the same span but have covered the spread in three straight.
Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my analysis and NBA Betting Free Picks:
The Hawks are 1-4 ATS in their last five Wednesday games.
The Nets are 5-0 ATS in their last five home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
The Nets are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games vs. a team with a road winning percentage of less than .400.
The Over is 4-1 in Hawks last five Wednesday games.
The Over is 4-1 in Nets last five home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
The Favorite is 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
The Hawks are 1-4 ATS in the last five meetings.
Analysis: The atrocious Nets are a big bunch of underachievers led by career underachiever Vince Carter. With Atlanta fighting for their playoff lives, I say take the Hawks to cover with the outright win. I also like the Over in a big way tonight.
NBA Free Picks: Atlanta +1½ Points/Over 200 Total Points
07:35 PM EST NBA Odds
Atlanta Hawks +1½ -110
New Jersey Nets -1½ -110
Over 200 -110
Under 200 -110
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