NBA Basketball
2013-04-21 - Atlanta Hawks at Indiana Pacers
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball Play Offs
Sunday 21 April 2013 - Tip Off 1pm
6pm (British Time)
Preview
This is a series between the Indiana Pacers and the Atlanta Hawks and most people would be backing the Pacers to come through to the Eastern Conference Semi Finals. However, neither team have been in great form heading into the Play Offs and that doesn't bode well with the likes of the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat in this Conference.
Both teams will be well aware of what the other brings to the table and that has meant there has been plenty of work done trying to counter weaknesses and exploiting their own strengths and this series will be decided by which team can impose their game.
Indiana are also hoping to change a couple of trends heading into the series as they haven't won an opening game since 2006. The Pacers are also hoping to snap an 11 game losing run in Atlanta, although home court advantage is likely to be the key to the series.
It is also to be said that both teams are missing key personnel for this opening game. Danny Granger is out for Indiana with no real time on when he will be returning, while Zaza Pachulia is absent for Atlanta.
Head to Head
Both teams won their home games to split the season series 2-2 this season.
They also split those games 2-2 against the spread, although Atlanta are 10-4 against the spread in the last 14 games of the series.
Prediction
I did start leaning towards the Indiana Pacers to take Game 1 of the series, but have been put off by their recent defensive performances which is seeing them allow 12 points per game more in their last 8 games as they have all season.
The Atlanta Hawks have plenty of three point shooting capability and the over play is 4-1 in the last 5 games of this series. I will go with this one going over 185.5 points.
The Pick :
Indiana Pacers 104-99 Atlanta Hawks
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Over 185.5 Points @ 1.95
