Brad Wilton
The Hawks got tripped up Friday night at home by the Wizards, as Atlanta has not dropped 2 of their last 3 games straight up, with the lone win in that span coming at Chicago in a game the Bulls imploded down the stretch.
Coach Bud's team has failed their last pair at home against the spread, and are just 3-3 their last 6 home games versus the number.
New York has been making news lately with the possibility of a Carmelo Anthony trade, but the Knickerbockers have managed to win 2 of their last 3 both straight up and against the spread, and they sport winning numbers in their recent series meetings against the Hawks.
The Knicks have covered all 3 series meetings this year against the Hawks, and 5 in a row now dating back to last season. New York stands at 4-4 straight up the last 8 series meetings, and have gone 13-5 against the spread their last 18 games on Atlanta hardwood.
Look for the dominant series numbers to be the way to go once again this Sunday afternoon. Take New York plus the points.
2* NEW YORK
Bruce Marshall
Portland +8
Golden State has mostly had the upper hand vs. Portland the past couple of seasons but schedule dynamics might be tricky for the Warriors, who have gone flat at times this season and are off of a rousing national TV blowout win last night vs. the Clippers. This well-spaced homestand (in which Blazers don't have to worry about back-to-back games) continues for Portland as the Blazers look to solidify themselves in the West playoff picture.