THURSDAY MAY 6, 2010 – Atlanta Hawks vs Orlando Magic
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NBA Playoffs odds – Game 2 – NBA Eastern Conference Semi-Final Playoffs Round 2
Team records:
Atlanta: 53-29 SU, 48-34 ATS
Orlando: 59-23 SU, 45-33-4 ATS
The #3 seed Atlanta Hawks are in to Orlando to face the #2 seed Magic for game two of their best-of-seven series in the semifinals of the NBA Eastern Conference playoffs tonight at 8:00 P.M.
Matchup: Hawks at Magic
Time: Thursday May 6th 8:00 P.M.
Venue: Quicken Loans Arena
Spread: Atlanta +9 (-110)
Orlando -9 (-110)
Total (Over/Under): 189.5
Atlanta is still trying to get the number of the Freightliner that ran them over in Tuesday night’s game one of this series, losing by 43 points 71-114. After grinding out a 4-3 victory over Milwaukee in a round one series that just ended on Sunday, the Hawks had little time to prepare for an Orlando team that wrapped up their opening series over a week ago with a 4-0 sweep of Charlotte.
This lack of preparation led to one of the worst beatings in playoff history.
Trailing by only two points after the first quarter, the Hawks went scoreless for over six minutes of the second quarter allowing the Magic to open up a 20 point lead at the half.
Things actually got worse in the second half as they were outscored by 21 points in the third. While their defense has no answer for Orlando’s attack, their lack of scoring could be cause for greater concern if they do not turn things around.
Team scoring leader Joe Johnson was held to 10 points and the NBA’s sixth man of the year, Jamal Crawford was held to five.
Orlando looked well rested and ready to go in their opening game romp over Atlanta. With over a week to prepare, they flawlessly executed their game plan, never giving the Hawks a chance to breath after a tight first quarter.
They held Atlanta to just 10 points in the second quarter and 11 in the third in what can only be described as total domination.
Dwight Howard played smothering defense, recording five block shots in the first half. He ended the night with a game high 21 points and 12 rebounds. Vince Carter added 20 points and six rebounds while Jameer Nelson had 19 points and five assists.
In what amounted to be nothing more than a brisk workout, the Magic made a statement in game one that they want another shot at whichever team comes out of the Western Conference in this year’s finals and nobody left in the East is going to stand in their way.
The odds makers are expecting a better showing tonight from Atlanta as the line (-9) is only a ½ point higher than game one.
While I do not expect them to lose by 43 points again, unfortunately another double figure beating at the hands of the Magic is in the cards for the Hawks tonight.
NBA Gambling Trends:
Atlanta is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games
Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
Orlando is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Orlando’s last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta’s last 5 games when playing Orlando
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta’s last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta’s last 5 games when playing on the road against Orlando
Orlando is 10-1 ATS in its last 11 games
Hawks vs. Magic Free Game 2 NBA Playoff Pick
Orlando -9
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