NBA Basketball
2011-04-11 - Miami Heat at Atlanta Hawks
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball
Monday 11 April 2011 - Tip-Off 7pm ET
Midnight (British Standard Time)
Preview
The Miami Heat (56-24) had a huge win over the Boston Celtics last night and are now in control of their own destiny as they bid to wrap up the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference. They face an Atlanta Hawks (44-36) team that is limping into the Play Offs and have the Number 5 seed secured.
The Heat need to win their remaining 2 games to secure the 2nd seed or, alternatively, win 1 and hope Boston lose 1 of their last 2 games. This position has become important as Miami and Boston are likely to meet in the Eastern Semi Finals with home advantage being secured by the higher seed.
Miami have won 13 of their last 16 games and look in good shape going into the postseason. The role players in the rotation are finally showing they can contribute and that makes life easier for LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
Atlanta have already locked the Number 5 seed up and know they will be facing the Orlando Magic in the 1st Round, but that does not make it any easier for their fans to see the team struggling at this stage of the season. They have now lost 4 in a row and look to avoid their longest losing streak since 2008.
Larry Drew was furious with his charges and pulled the starters in the 4th Quarter of their heavy defeat against Washington. Defense is really letting the team down and they have allowed an average of 110 points per game in their losing streak.
Head to Head
Miami have won 2 of the 3 games they have played against Atlanta this season, including the last one on the road.
That means the favourite is now 7-3 against the spread in the last 10 games in the series. Miami themselves are 5-1 against the spread in the last 6 games.
Atlanta are 16-24 against the spread at home this season, Miami are 22-16-1 on the road.
Atlanta are 17-19 against the spread with 1 days rest between games, Miami are 8-10 when playing on back to back nights.
Other Interesting Notes
Atlanta are 4-10 against the spread in their last 14 home games against a team with a winning record on the road.
They are 0-4-1 against the spread in their last 5 home games as the underdog being given between 5 and 10.5 points.
Miami are 19-7 against the spread in their last 26 road games as the favourite of between 5 and 10.5 points.
Prediction
I am going to back the Miami Heat to win and cover for the following reasons:
First, Atlanta are in terrible form and are giving up far too many points in recent games.
Second, Miami have more motivation as they look to lock up the Number 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Third, the Heat have dominated recent meetings in the series.
The Pick :
Atlanta Hawks 89-104 Miami Heat
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back the Miami Heat - 6.5 points @ 1.95 (2 UNITS)Follow me on Twitter- the direct link is below
