Sacramento Kings at Atlanta Hawks
Written by Steve Janus - Google +
The Atlanta Hawks will look to start another winning streak at home when they host the Sacramento Kings. The Hawks had won 10 straight at home before falling to the Rockets 112-106 on Saturday. Atlanta is 10-4 in their last 14 games, including a 108-102 win at Sacramento. The Kings stunned the Knicks 93-83 on Friday, but struggled the following night in Detroit, losing to the Pistons 110-106. If you are thinking about betting on this game, our spreads have the Hawks favored by 9.5-points over the Kings.
While the Kings have won just three of their last nine game, five of their six losses have been by six points or less. Sacramento has had a lot of trouble finishing games, and until this team figures out how to win down the stretch, they might have to get use to losing these close games.
Tyreke Evans had 29 points and eight assists DeMarcus Cousins had 24 points and seven rebounds in the first meeting against the Hawks. Francisco Garcia was the only other starter in double figures with 12 points.
Jason Thompson had 22 points and seven boards in the Kings most recent loss to the Pistons, but has had trouble consistently scoring this season. Thompson had just 15 points in his previous three games combined.The Kings could really use a big night from Thompson if they are going to upset the Hawks.
Atlanta let one get away in their most recent loss to the Rockets, and figure to come out firing against the Kings in this one. However the Hawks need to focus more on getting easy shots in the paint, compared to relying heavily on the three-point shot.
Joe Johnson had 30 points and seven assists against Houston, and is really starting to turn it on. Johnson is averaging 27.4 points over his last five games, including 29 points against the Kings.
Al Horford had 24 and Josh Smith had 21 in the loss against the Rockets, and look for the Rockets to try and get these two going early. The two combined for just 24 points against the Kings in the first matchup, but did total up 10 assists and 19 rebounds.
While I think Atlanta is the better team and should have no trouble getting the win at home, I think the right play is to take Sacramento and the 9.5-points. The Kings have been playing much better lately, and should be able to at least keep this game from being a blowout.
Got something to say?
