NBA - 501 Atlanta Hawks @ 502 Washington Wizards
Projected Line: Atlanta by 12 points
***DOUBLE DIME PLAY***
This will be the third game of the season between these two team, with the first two games being played at Atlanta. On the most recent game, Atlanta's guards were able to penetrate into the basket with ease and that's why they shot 19-26 FG at the end. The Hawks grabbed 60% of the rebounds and the game only got closer at the end, thanks to some problems on the perimeter shooting and some relax after leading the game by 18 points in the third quarter.
Unlike the past two games against the Wizards, where Atlanta was coming from nice wins prior to facing Washington and so, without great focus, this time Atlanta is coming from their worst loss of the season so far against the Warriors at home, therefore we have the Hawks in here on a bounce back spot. Atlanta quickly fell behind Golden State in the score and all they did to try to recover was settling for long-range jump shots.
“That is not acceptable, particularly when we are struggling and we need baskets,” Larry Drew said. “There was a lot of basketball to be played, particularly in the third quarter. You’ve got to make things happen in the paint. You can’t just settle for jump shots and look for the home run. You have to learn how to chip away.”
Therefore, I expect Atlanta's gameplan to be focused on pounding Washington down low. That should be an easy task for the Hawks, as in the first two games against the Wizards, Atlanta shot 20-29 FG and 19-26 FG at the rim! Washington has the second worst rim defense in the league by allowing 68.4% FG at this area, so the Hawks should be able to have a great offensive performance tonight. Washington has been playing without their starting PG A.J. Price and with Jordan Crawford on the PG position, turnovers can easily become a problem for the Wizards' offense. Washington had 19 and 21 turnovers on their last two games and Atlanta is one of the teams that forces more turnovers to their opponents.
With Nene Hilario questionable for tonight, Washington's offense should struggle. The Wizards are very dependent from the efficiency of their post up plays with Kevin Seraphin and Nene Hilario, but with Nene banged up, Washington are on a poor offensive spot for tonight. Washington is lacking a pure PG right now and the Wizards are prone to some offensive periods, where there is no organization and with all their shots being contested jumpers. On their last game against Miami, the Wizards shot just 13 times at the rim! With the versatility of the Hawks' defense, these jumpers will be contested and the Wizards will struggle tonight.
The Wizards covered the spread on the first two games against Atlanta, but now with the Hawks on a bounce back spot, I believe Atlanta is going to crush Washington and get a blowout win tonight. That's why I'll be taking Atlanta in here on a Double Dime Play!
Pick: 4 units (Double Dime Play) on 501 Atlanta Hawks (-6.5) @ -110 / 1.91 on Bookmaker
No comments:
Post a Comment