Free NBA Playoffs Pick: Hawks vs. Bucks
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The Atlanta Hawks host the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 7 of their 1st Round series. The Bucks have caused the Hawks fits this series, yet they failed to eliminate the Hawks when they had the chance. The Hawks are 9.5 favorites, with a total of 185.5 points expected tonight. ABC will televise the game at 1:00 EDT.
The Atlanta fans and organization are very happy to see a Game 7 today at home. Atlanta was facing elimination in Game 6, and many were nervous considering they had to win on the road to stay alive this postseason. The Hawks played one of their best games of the season at the perfect time. Atlanta won 83-69, holding the Bucks under 70 PTS thanks to their superb defense. The Hawks went on a 19-0 run in the 3rd quarter to seize control of Game 6. G Jamal Crawford led the Hawks with 24 PTS, shooting nearly 50% from the field in the process. Crawford was just named the 6th Man of the Year. Forward Josh Smith is averaging a playoff double double this year, 12.8 PPG and 10 RPG. Atlanta is 56-32 SU and 51-37 ATS overall this season. The Hawks are 36-8 SU and 27-17 ATS in home games this season. The Hawks have had much success as the listed favorite this year, going 39-28 ATS in this role. Atlanta is 4-5 ATS this season as the listed favorite between 9 and 12.5 PTS.
The Hawks are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games as a home favorite. The Over is 16-5 in their last 21 games following a SU win.
Milwaukee has to be disappointed, as they had an opportunity to finish off the Hawks and advance to the 2nd round of the playoffs. Milwaukee was leading at the half, but were undone by a terrible 3rd quarter. Ultimately the Bucks lost by 14 PTS, with all blame going to their offense. Milwaukee could only muster 69 PTS, shooting 32% from the field and only making 7 of their 26 three point attempts. The Bucks top 2 scoring options, Guards Brandon Jennings and John Salmons combined for only 20 PTS on 6 of 28 shooting. Milwaukee only scored 26 PTS in the 2nd and 3rd Quarter combined. Milwaukee is 1-3 SU and 2-2 ATS when playing in Atlanta this season. F Carlos Delfino is the only other Milwaukee player averaging double figures in PTS this postseason. Delfino had a team high 20 PTS in Game 5, yet is still shooting less than 40% during the series. The Bucks are 49-39 SU and 55-31-2 ATS overall this season. The Bucks are 19-25 SU and 28-14-2 ATS overall this year. Milwaukee is 26-17 ATS as the listed underdog this season. The Hawks are 12-4 ATS this year when revenging a home loss against an opponent.
The Bucks are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games as a road underdog. The Under is 4-1 in their last 5 games as a road underdog.
Pregame.com projects the final score to be 93-90 in favor of the Atlanta Hawks. The Bucks +9.5 is the Side of the Day!
Johnny Detroit, Gambling911.com
