NBA Picks & Predictions for Sunday, December 19, 2010
By Anthony Rome
Newark, NJ (TheSpread) - The Atlanta Hawks have struggled on the road this month but they shouldn’t have much trouble with the lowly New Jersey Nets on Sunday. Continue reading for picks, odds and more on this NBA matchup.
According to NBA odds and oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com, the Hawks are 3.5-point favorites over the Nets on Sunday. The over/under total for this game is currently 183.5 points.
The Hawks are 17-11 overall but have failed to cover the spread in 17 of their 28 games this year. They have covered in eight of their 14 games on the road, however, and are 8-6 on the road straight up in 2010.
The Nets are a woeful 7-20 overall and according to latest NBA trends, they’re 13-14 against the spread. They’re 5-8 at home this year but have covered in seven of their 13 games at the Prudential Center.
NBA Free Pick:
The Hawks hold the edge in almost every major category and should roll today. They average more points per game, have the better field goal percentage and convert more free throws. They hold the defensive edge in this matchup as well, they limit their turnovers and their bench is stronger. The only category the Nets hold an edge in his rebounding thanks to center Brook Lopez, who has given Atlanta trouble in the past. Not having Jamal Crawford hurts, but the Hawks should manage. They’re 5-1 against the spread in their last six games against the Nets, while the favorite is also 5-1 ATS in the last six overall meetings. Our pick is the Hawks –3.5.
2010 NBA FREE PICK: ATLANTA HAWKS –3.5