Frank Jordan
Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics
Play: Boston Celtics -4.5
These two teams squared off in the playoffs last year where the Hawks pushed the Celtics to 7 games as the home team won all 7 games. Atlanta and Boston are both in the top half of the East's playoff picture again and they could meet again down the line. This year in the first three match ups all three have gone the way of Boston by a total of 10 points. In this one look for the Celtics to continue to win as they make it 4 in a row overall and 4 straight against Atlanta this year. Play Boston
Info Plays
3* on Golden State Warriors +4.5
Reasons why the Warriors cover the spread:
1.) New Orleans is still battling the injury bug that has plagued them all season. Peja Stojakovic, Tyson Chandler and James Posey will all be out for tonight’s road game against Golden State. These are 3 key pieces to the Hornets, and New Orleans doesn’t have a very deep bench to make up for their losses. They’ve just been fortunate to play the Kings and Clippers in their last 2 games, but Golden State will pose a much stiffer challenge tonight and the Hornets won’t be able to pull it out. Yes, the Warriors have their own injury issues, but this team has been banged up all season which has allowed Golden State to develop a solid bench.
2.) Golden State has played the Hornets tough, going 5-5 SU & 7-3 ATS in their last 10 meetings. After splitting 2 road games against the Hornets earlier this season, the Warriors now get their first shot at home tonight where they have been solid all season. Golden State is 20-17 SU & 22-14 ATS at home this year. New Orleans is just 14-21 ATS in road games this season. Golden State is 15-6 ATS in home games revenging a road loss vs. an opponent this season. The Warriors are 8-1 ATS in home games after scoring 120 points or more this season.
3.) System Play. We’ll Play Against - Favorites (NEW ORLEANS) - after a win by 6 points or less against opponent after scoring 100 points or more 4 straight games. This is a 50-19 ATS System hitting 72.5% over the last 5 seasons. The Warriors have scored 106 or more points in 12 of their last 13 games. New Orleans is getting way too much respect tonight, especially with injuries to three key players heading in. Bet Golden State at home.
Dave Price
1 Unit on Hawks/Celtics OVER 186
Boston is not as good defensively without KG in the lineup and also tends to play a little bit more uptempo style without the big man as well so I like the Over here. Boston is 23-14 OVER as a home favorite this season. Also, plays over on all teams where the total is between 180 and 189.5 points (ATLANTA) - revenging a straight up loss vs. an opponent as a favorite, off a road loss by 10 points or more are 122-70 since 1996. Bet the Over.
Jeff Alexander
1 Unit on Rockets/Lakers UNDER 196
System Play: Plays Under on all teams where the total is between 190 and 199.5 points (HOUSTON) - extremely well rested team - playing 3 or less games in 10 days, with a winning record on the season playing another winning team are 32-8 the last 5 seasons. Expect a defensive battle in Tinsel Town tonight. Bet the Under.