Rockets Host Hawks, Both Teams Look To Get Back In Win Column

The Atlanta Hawks (12-7 SU, 10-9 ATS, 8-9-2 O/U) suffered a heart-breaking loss in their last game, snapping a three-game winning streak in the process.

The Houston Rockets (13-7 SU, 10-10 ATS, 12-8 O/U) also had their modest two-game winning streak snapped in their last contest.

Both teams will look to get back in the win column when they battle at the Toyota Center in Houston tonight.

The Hawks put on a furious fourth quarter comeback in their 100-98 loss to the Mavericks on Saturday, outscoring Dallas 39-26 in the final period while covering the spread as 7-point road underdogs.

"We made plays down the stretch," Hawks coach Mike Woodson said. "But we had that 16-point third quarter that put us behind. You can't spot this team like that."

Shooting guard Joe Johnson tossed in a game-high 32 points for the Hawks while veteran point guard Mike Bibby added 21 points and all five starters reached double figures in scoring.

Second-year Atlanta center Al Horford didn't play against Dallas because of an ankle injury, but could return to the lineup tonight.

The Rockets were embarrassed by the Memphis Grizzlies in losing 109-97 on Monday, failing to cover the spread as a 7-point road favorite for NBA sports betting backers.

Veteran point guard Rafer Alston and power forward Luis Scola each scored 16 points as six Rockets players reached double figures in scoring.

Forward Ron Artest missed Monday's loss to Memphis with a sore right ankle but could return tonight, while superstar Tracy McGrady is out of the lineup with complications stemming from offseason knee surgery. Veteran sniper Brent Barry also sat out with a muscle tear in his right leg.

"They were the aggressors all the way," Rockets coach Rick Adelman said. "I don't think we shared the ball very well. Guys were trying to do too much on their own and weren't moving the ball around. I think it was the whole team. We just seemed to be out of sync."

Here is a look at tonight’s key betting trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NBA Free Pick:

Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games

The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Atlanta's last 14 games when playing Houston

Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games

Atlanta is 4-8 ATS in its last 12 games

The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games

Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Atlanta

Houston is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta

Houston is 19-6 SU in its last 25 games at home

NBA Odds

Atlanta Hawks +5 -110

Houston Rockets -5 -110

Over 193½ -110

Under 193½ -110

Analysis: I don’t think this pick requires much guesswork as the banged-up Rockets may be in danger of losing this game outright to a hungry Hawks team that is starting to find out what it takes to succeed after last season’s thrilling first round playoff loss to Boston.

I say take the Hawks to cover the spread while pushing Houston for the outright win!

NBA Free Picks: Atlanta +5 Points/Under 193½ Total Points