NBA Predictions: Atlanta Hawks vs. Brooklyn Nets

Atlanta Hawks vs. Brooklyn Nets
Monday, 1/6/14, 7:30 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: Brooklyn -4
Current Betting Line: Brooklyn -3.5
Opening Total: 199
Current Total: 197
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Brooklyn Nets have won two games in a row

Atlanta has dropped back-to-back games, including a 91-84 setback to the Chicago Bulls as five-point road underdogs last time out, while going UNDER the betting total for a third consecutive contest. The Hawks are 2-3 SU since center Al Horford was lost for the year with a torn pectoral muscle, which is important to consider when making your NBA predictions. Forward Paul Millsap will need to carry the freight, as he’s scored a combined 67 points in the team’s last two victories. Atlanta is 2-4 SU and 3-3 ATS as road underdogs of 3.5 to 6 points this season.

The Hawks have three probable starters averaging in double figures, with Millsap leading the way at 17.7 points a contest. He is one of only two players in the league to average at least 16.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks. Over the last three games, Atlanta is shooting 84.5 percent from the foul line, which can’t be ignored when looking over the NBA betting lines. The franchise is 6-11 SU on the road, with five of those wins coming against Eastern Conference rivals.

Brooklyn has won and covered the number in back-to-back games, including an 89-82 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers as 6.5-point home favorites last time out, while going UNDER the betting total in each of those affairs. The Nets have three probable starters averaging in double figures, with guard Joe Johnson leading the charge at 14.9 points a contest, as he prepares to face his former team. The squad is 7-9 SU at the Barclays Center, including a 5-6 mark versus conference foes. Brooklyn is 1-2 SUATS as road favorites of 3.5 to 6 points.

The Nets split four meetings with the Hawks last year, with point guard Deron Williams averaging 17.8 points and 7.5 assists in four head-to-head meetings with Jeff Teague. He is coming off a season-high 29-point performance. It’s important to point out that Brooklyn is in the midst of its longest homestand of the season.