NBA Basketball
2012-04-04 - Charlotte Bobcats at Atlanta Hawks
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball
Wednesday 4 April 2012 - Tip Off 7:30pm ET
12:30am (British Standard Time)
Preview
The Atlanta Hawks (31-23) are looking for a strong end to the season so they can wrap up one of the top 4 seeds in the Eastern Conference Play Offs, and they cannot afford to take their foot off the gas if they are to achieve that. Even more important is taking advantage of any weak points in the schedule such as the one they are about to enjoy.
The first team out of the Play Off picture this season were the Charlotte Bobcats (7-44) who now have a real worry that they won't reach double-digits in terms of victories with Paul Silas suggesting he will give his younger players some experience down the stretch.
Atlanta have been short-handed in the last couple of weeks, but have enjoyed the few days off they have had to get some more bodies back into the rotation. Jannero Pargo and Jerry Stackhouse are both possibly returning tonight after missing time.
Josh Smith has been solid for the Hawks all season, but he was really good in the latter stages of March when he averaged 26.3 points per game. He has been very effective against the Bobcats in the two season meetings they have had, averaging 26.5 points and 13 rebounds.
Charlotte lost their 8th game in a row last night as Paul Silas gave Byron Mullins his second start of the season. Silas was at least impressed with what Mullins did as he scored 20 points and had 14 rebounds despite the loss to Toronto.
DJ Agustin returned from injury, but Corey Maggette is out for the Bobcats.
Head to Head
Atlanta have won both meetings with Charlotte this season, straight up and against the spread.
However, the Bobcats are 11-5 against the spread in the last 16 games in the series, while they are 3-1 here.
Atlanta are 13-12 against the spread at home this season, Charlotte are 11-16 on the road.
The Hawks are 16-12-2 against the spread as the favourite, Charlotte are 19-29-1 as the underdog.
Other Interesting Trends
Atlanta are 19-6-2 against the spread in their last 27 games against teams with winning record of under 0.400.
They are 13-3-1 against the spread in their last 17 games against Divisional rivals.
Charlotte are 2-5 against the spread in their last 7 games as the road underdog being given 11.5 points or more.
They are 1-7 against the spread in their last 8 games against a team with a winning record of at least 0.600 at home.
Prediction
I am going to back the Atlanta Hawks to cover the spread for the following reasons:
First, Atlanta beat Charlotte by 30 points here earlier this season and have had a few days to get their rotation back up to some health and should be fully focused to keep the pressure up in the Eastern Conference.
Second, Charlotte are just 3-7 against the spread in their last 10 games when playing the second of back to back nights play.
Third, the Bobcats are just 7-18 against the spread against teams with winning records this season, going 0-3 in the second half of the season.
Fourth, Atlanta are 8-2 against the spread when playing Divisional rivals this season.
The Pick :
Atlanta Hawks 96-81 Charlotte Bobcats
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back the Atlanta Hawks - 13 Points @ 1.95
