Atlanta Hawks vs. Miami Heat: Pro Basketball Betting Odds and Predictions

Atlanta Hawks at Miami Heat
Monday, 12/10/12, 7:30 PM EST, TV: SUN
Opening Point Spread: Miami -7.5
Current Betting Line: Miami -7
Opening Total: 196.5
Current Total: 195.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Atlanta Hawks have quite the front court pair in Al Horford and Josh Smith

Atlanta has won three games in a row, including a 93-83 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies as seven-point road underdogs on Saturday, while going UNDER the total for the first time in four contests. The Hawks have lost four straight games against the Heat, including a 95-89 setback as 4.5-point home underdogs on Nov. 9. Defensively, the team ranks fifth in the league in allowing 93.6 points per game and sixth in opponent field goal percentage at 43.3. Atlanta is 0-3 ATS off an upset win as an underdog this season, with all three going UNDER the total.

The Hawks have three probable starters averaging in double figures, with forward Josh Smith leading the way, averaging 17.0 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Al Horford is also a player to watch in the paint, recording five consecutive double-doubles, averaging 18.0 points and 12.4 rebounds in that span. Atlanta owns a 5-2 overall record on the road, but has played just one Eastern Conference foe in that situation, which is important to consider when making your NBA picks against the spread on Monday night.

Miami snapped a two-game losing streak by coming away with a 106-90 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Saturday, while going OVER the total for the sixth time in seven contests. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra has been disappointed with his team’s play on the defensive end to start the 2012-13 season, which needs to get better if it intends to win back-to-back titles. “We still have breakdowns,” commented Spoelstra this week. Miami is 0-3 ATS at home when the total is between 195 and 199.5, with the OVER going 3-0 in that situation.

The Heat are led offensively by forward LeBron James, who has scored at least 20 points in the first 18 games this season. Miami has won nine of 10 games at home this season, with the offense averaging 109.4 points at the AmericanAirlines Arena. The franchise has compiled a dominating 21-3 record in December since the 2010-11 campaign, which includes an 8-2 mark at home.