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Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks NBA Lines & Free Pick

NBA Handicapping Predictions – Celtics vs Hawks

The Celtics are up 3-1 in this series after a laugher in Game 4 and history is not on the side of the Hawks, as Boston has never lost a playoff series after being up 3-1.

Venue/ Stadium: Philips Arena, Atlanta, GA
Time/Date: 8 PM EST Tuesday, May 8, 2012
NCAA Odds From: Bovada
Moneyline: OFF
Spread (ATS): Hawks -1.5
Over/Under:  173

Matchup | Preview

Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks Preview

The Hawks have to forget about Game 4 where only 1 starter scored in double figures and where the game was over after halftime when the Celtics had a 37-point lead in the 4th quarter.

NBA lines have the Hawks as slight 1.5-home favorites with a total of 173.

In Game 4 the Celtics cruised beating the Hawks 101-79.

This season the Celtics are 36-32-2 ATS with an O/U record of 30-37-3 and the Hawks are 38-30-2 ATS with an O/U record of 35-34-1.

One player for the Hawks that must play well tonight to extend the series is leading scorer Joe Johnson, who only scored 9 points in Game 4. Josh Smith was the only starter that scored in double figures and unless Johnson and Jeff Teague step up on offense the Hawks are toast.

Teague’s offense will be needed, but his D on Rajon Rondo may be more important. The Boston PG was responsible for 56 of Boston’s points in Game 4 with 20 points and 16 dimes. Rondo is not a great shooter and Teague must keep him out of the lane. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Al Horford is back in the Atlanta lineup and his offense and defense will be needed. He missed most of the season and he has to get back to being a force in the paint.

Paul Pierce had 24 points in limited action in Game 4 and still scored 24 points. He was 10/13 from the floor and the Hawks must get in his face and not give him open looks.

The one game the Hawks won they played good D and the Celtics missed all of their 3-pointers. Atlanta has to get back to playing solid defense, especially on the perimeter.

Kevin Garnett has showed he still has some gas left in his tank averaging 17 ppg and 10.5 rpg and since the Hawks will concentrate on stopping the Celtics from killing them with open jump shots KG will have his chances to score in the paint.

In some betting trends for this Eastern Conference playoff match up the Celtics are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 road games, 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record, and they have an Under record of 5-2 in their last 7 road games.

The Hawks are 11-5-1 ATS in their last 17 games as a favorite, 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games following a S.U. loss, and they have an Over record of 9-2 in their last 11 home games.

Jason’s Pick: I think this game will be close, but the Celtics have the confidence and they will close out the series tonight with a win.

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By Jason Green

Jason Green is back with Cappers Picks again to give out his free sports plays. As always he's hoping the Braves and Redskins can win a championship since their last one in the 90’s was long ago. He’s starting to know the pain of Cubs fans.