Posted on 4/28/2008 4:57:13 PM

NBA Furious Playoff Picks 2008 – Can Hawks Take Flight Against Boston Again?

By Tim Furious

Boston Celtics (66-16) vs. Atlanta Hawks (37-45)

Monday, April 28th --- Philips Arena, Atlanta --- 8:00pm EST

Series: Bos 2-1

NBA Betting Line: Boston -8.5 (190)

Atlanta was on fire in an intense online basketball betting Saturday night in their first home playoff game after a 4 year absence from the post season. The Hawks triumphed over Boston in a 102-93 landslide catalyzed by Josh Smith, who jammed in five game-changing dunks. It was Boston’s first loss against the line in seven games, “dropping” them to a 6-1 ATS record. But Boston is still 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games on the road.

Kevin Garnett has been the dominant leader on the court for the entire playoffs thus far, and his 22.3 points and 10 boards have done much to push the Celtics to the next level. His undeniable passion for winning is fueling this team, and his infectious thirst for hardwood domination is contaminating the C’s in the best way possible.

The problem is that Garnett’s counterpart on the Hawks is generating the same noise. Al Horford, the youngest player in the NBA, poured in 17.0 points and 14.0 rebounds, and was a force on the court against the Celtic’s Boston Three Party. His stare down of Paul Pierce was indicative of the intangibles that made him the third overall pick in last year’s draft. The scary part is that Horford has the body, the skill and the talent to back up his machismo – even in the face of KG, Pierce and Allen.

Horford’s ferocity is being felt by everyone on the Hawks, and his 3.7 assist average – for a big man – is indicative of his unselfish play. Tony Perkins has the unruly task of chaining down Horford. With all due respect to The Perk, that’s a job that he just can’t handle. If the Celtics draw their attention to Horford, then Josh Smith and Joe Johnson will murder them on the perimeter.

Then again, we are betting on a very young, up-and-down squad when compared the veteran virtuoso of the Celtics. Boston got away from their gameplan on Saturday after Horford got under their skin. Don’t bet on that happening again to the extent it did on Saturday.

However, I’m not going to let Saturday night get too much to my head. While I think the OVER is a great bet with Atlanta playing at home, I’m going to take Boston in the SU victory. That was Atlanta’s one game to prove what they were worth. With a spread moving away from them, I’ll take Atlanta with the points, but don’t be surprised when Boston pulls away in the clutch to close the deal.

NBA Furious Free Pick: Atlanta +8.5 (OVER)

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