Posted on 4/2/2008 7:26:45 PM

NBA Betting Free Picks 2008 Raptors vs. Hawks

By Tim Furious

Toronto Raptors (38-36) vs. Atlanta Hawks (34-40)

Wednesday, April 2nd --- Philips Arena, Atlanta --- 7:00pm EST

NBA Betting Line: Atlanta -3 (205)

Now this is what I’m talkin’ about! The Raptors head to the dirty south to take on the red-hot Atlanta Hawks in their home nest. The Hawks are 4-1 SU at 4-1 ATS in their last five games and are finally looking like the team everyone pegged them to be when Bibby came aboard. The team has averaged 112.75 point per game during their four-game win streak, though they’re defense is not looking…ok well it looks pretty typical.

The Raptors, on the other hand, broke a six-game road losing streak by escaping the wily Bobcats in a 103-100 victory. With a tight line against Atlanta, it’s hard to judge, because the differential between the offensive output and the defensive stopping power of Toronto is -2.9 points per game. And, to be honest, as a Raptors fan I am terrified of the way the Hawks match up to the Toronto Raptors.

Al Horford is becoming an established beast in the league, and Joe Johnson and Josh Smith can combine for 50+ points on any given night. Especially when they’re playing at home. They’re a hot, exciting team to watch and they’re producing at home. They’re undefeated in their last five games at home, and I have been publicly advocating their case as a strong home team to side with on the betting line.

But this spread is still too tight for my liking.

At the end of the day, the Raptors are 7-3 SU when playing Atlanta over their last 10 meetings, and are 4-1 ATS in their last five when battling the Hawks. On top of that they’re 5-1 ATS when playing Atlanta on the road. Despite their 4-8 SU record in their past 12 games, Toronto is still a better team top to bottom. The inexperience of Atlanta will get thwarted and the bubble will burst.

If Atlanta somehow defeats the Raptors, they’ll be officially on the map as a credible playoff contender. But somehow, I just don’t see that happening. The Hawks have a habit of hanging in games, but the oddsmakers have adjusted to their recent play at home. I like the Raptors with anything -4.5 or below. And with a team like Atlanta at home, never take the UNDER.

NBA Betting Free Picks: Toronto +3 (OVER)

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