Struggling Teams Meet as Pacers Host Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks (6-3 SU, 6-3 ATS, 5-4 O/U) have crashed back to earth with a thud after their surprising 6-0 start this season!

The Indiana Pacers (4-5 SU, 5-4 ATS, 4-5 O/U) have been one of the most inconsistent teams in either conference in the early going of the 2008-09 regular season.

Both teams will be looking to pick up a win for sports betting fans at BetUS Sportsbook tonight when they meet at Conseco Fiedlhouse.

Atlanta has dropped three straight games following their incendiary start, including a home-and-home set with the New Jersey Nets that ended with Saturday’s 119-107 home loss.

After holding opponents to an average of just 85.8 points per game in their first five games, the Hawks have allowed more than 100 in each of their last four contests.

"We've lost some of our defensive swagger, intensity or whatever you want to call it," Atlanta coach Mike Woodson said.

Atlanta was led by Joe Johnson’s 31 points on 10-for-19 shooting from then field but got no more than 14 points from any other player in the loss.

Atlanta also has history working against them tonight as they will try to win at Conseco Fieldhouse for the first time in five games. The Hawks haven't won a road game in Indy since 2006.

The Pacers are dealing with their own issues, having dropped two straight games, including Friday’s 104-91 loss to the Chicago Bulls.

Indiana has been giving the ball away like it’s going out of style, averaging 20.2 turnovers in the two losses.

"We have to do a better job protecting the ball," Pacers point guard T.J. Ford said. "Sometimes it is just simple mental mistakes. Sometimes it is the defense. And sometimes it is just being lackadaisical."

Ford led five players in double figures, scoring 16 points, but team leader Danny Granger scored just 15 points on 4-for-15 shooting, his second consecutive game with less than 20 points.

Here is a look at the key betting trends for each team, followed by my in-depth analysis and NBA Free Picks:

The Hawks are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.

The Hawks are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.

The Pacers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.

The Pacers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. loss.

The Over is 4-0 in Hawks last 4 games following a S.U. loss.

The Under is 4-0 in Pacers last 4 vs. Eastern Conference.

The Home team is 6-0 ATS in the last 6 meetings.

The Favorite is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings.

The Hawks are 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings.

NBA Odds

Atlanta Hawks +2 -110

Indiana Pacers -2 -110

Over 205 -110

Under 205 -110

Analysis: Despite their recent string of losses, I like the direction the Atlanta Hawks are headed in. I think they will come with an excellent effort tonight as they go for – and get – the outright win in Indiana against a Pacers team that is clearly in need of another scorer besides Granger and Ford. Take the Hawks to cover by winning outright. I also like the Under in a big way as I think Atlanta will get to actually playing some defense tonight.

NBA Free Picks: Hawks +2 Points/Under 205 Total Points