NBA Betting – Celtics vs. Magic (Jan. 26)

January 26, 2009 by Ray M.

NBA Betting – Wade’s Heat vs Johnson’s Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks (26-16 SU, 23-19 ATS, 19-21 O/U) had their three-game winning streak snapped the last time out, losing to the Phoenix Suns 04-99 on Sunday while failing to cover the spread asd4-point home favorites in the BetUS Sportsbook. The Miami Heat (23-19 SU, 19-21-2 ATS, 22-20 O/U) have alternated wins and losses in each of their last five games, but are coming off an encouraging 103-97 win overt the Orlando Magic on Saturday, covering the spread in the BetUS Sportsbook as 7.5-point home underdogs.

Atlanta got a team-high 19 points from athletic forward Josh Smith while still-blossoming forward Marvin Williams added 17 points.

The Heat were led by all-star shooting guard Dwyane Wade who scored a game-high 27 points, adding eight rebounds and six assists in a fine performance while rookie point guard Mario Chalmers chipped in with 20 points and six assists in the win.

Here is a look at tonight’s key NBA betting trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NBA Free Pick

Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami
Atlanta is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Atlanta’s last 15 games
Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Miami is 21-3 SU in its last 24 games when playing at home against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Miami’s last 9 games
Miami is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games
Miami is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home

NBA Odds

Atlanta Hawks +4 -110
Miami Heat -4 -110

Over 193 -110
Under 193 -110

Analysis: While the Atlanta Hawks have played pretty mediocre basketball the last few weeks after an encouraging start to the 2008-09 regular season, I like Atlanta to bounce back in a big way tonight by beating the surprising Miami Heat and covering the spread despite being on the road.

It’s gonna’ be close NBA bettors, but I say take the Hawks to over the spread by the narrowest of margins.