Atlanta Hawks at Boston Celtics
Friday, 3/8/13, 8:00 PM EST, TV: ESPN
Opening Point Spread: Boston -5
Current Betting Line: Boston -4
Opening Total: 188
Current Total: 188.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker
Atlanta snapped a three-game losing streak last time out, as it picked up a 107-96 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers as 8.5-point home favorites Wednesday night, while going OVER the posted total of 190. The Hawks have been led by center Al Horford on the offensive end the last 11 games, as he’s averaged 23.7 points and 11.3 rebounds in that span. The team is 15-16 overall on the road, including an 8-9 mark versus Eastern Conference opponents. Atlanta is 5-3 ATS as road underdogs of 3.5 to 6 points this season, with the OVER going 5-3 in that situation.
The Hawks are in the midst of playing 10 of 14 games on the road, which can’t be ignored when making your NBA expert picks Friday night. Atlanta should expect a big performance out of forward Josh Smith, as he’s recorded five straight regular-season double-doubles against the Celtics, averaging 15.6 points, 11.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists in those contests.
Boston has won four games in a row, including an 83-81 victory over the Indiana Pacers as nine-point road underdogs Wednesday, while going UNDER the posted total of 184.5. “We have found ways to win,” commented Celtics forward Jeff Green. “We are finding a way.” The Celtics are being led by veterans Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, who are averaging 15.0 and 18.5 points respectively. Boston is 21-15 ATS in March the last two-plus seasons, with the UNDER going 21-5 in that situation.
The Celtics are 21-9 overall at the TD Garden this year, including a 9-6 mark versus conference foes, which is going to make them an attractive option on the pro basketball odds page. Boston has compiled an impressive 14-4 record since point guard Rajon Rondo was lost for the season, but it’s important to note that he posted a triple-double in each of the first two meetings with Atlanta during the 2012-13 NBA season.
Sports bettors will likely back the Hawks due to the underdog being 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings, while the Celtics are 3-3 ATS as home favorites of 3.5 to 6 points.
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