NBA Picks: Atlanta Hawks at Utah Jazz
Written by Steve Janus - Google +
The Utah Jazz will go for their third straight win at home when they host the Atlanta Hawks tonight. After beating Memphis 98-92 on Saturday, the Jazz came back Monday night and beat the Pistons 102-97. Atlanta also comes into the game with a two game winning streak. Atlanta won at Los Angeles on Sunday, and then held on for a 108-102 win at Sacramento last night. Utah will go for the season sweep of the Hawks, as they won the first meeting 90-86 at Atlanta. Taking a look at the NBA spreads for tonight’s games, oddsmakers have the Jazz favored by 6-points over the Hawks at home.
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The Hawks have won six of their last eight, and are starting to play better and better here lately. Atlanta opened up a 22 point lead over the Kings last night, and decided to empty the bench and give the starters some rest. The only problem is the reserves nearly blew the lead, as the starters had to come back out to finish up the game.
Jamal Crawford scored a season-high 31 points to go with seven assists, and Joe Johnson had 29 points for a second straight game. The Hawks however have to do a better job of finishing down the stretch. In the first meeting with the Jazz, they had a six point lead heading into the fourth quarter, but were outscored 27-17.
Johnson led the Hawks with 23 points against the Jazz, while Josh Smith added 20 points and 13 rebounds, and Crawford came off the bench to score 14 points.
Utah has been the other way this season. The Jazz have trailed at halftime in 21 of 35 games this season, but more times than not they find a way to bounce back and get the win.
Deron Williams led six players in double figures with 22 points to go along with his 10 assists in Monday’s win over the Pistons. Williams had 24 points and 11 assists in the win at Atlanta earlier this season.
Utah could be without power forward Paul Milsap, as he was forced to sit out of yesterday’s practice with a bruised hip. Milsap had 11 points and six rebounds against the Hawks.
Both teams are playing well right now, but because Utah struggles to get off to a fast start, I think you have to take the Hawks at +6 and count on this game coming right down to the final seconds. The Jazz are just 1-4 ATS in their last five games, and just 9-10 ATS at home.
For more help with who to take this season, check out what our expert handicappers have to offer in their daily NBA picks.
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