Hawks vs Pacers NBA Picks
In game 1 the score was tied at halftime but then the Hawks exploded in the third quarter, outscoring the Pacers by 14. [ad-4468020]
Atlanta Hawks (1-0) vs. Indiana Pacers (0-1)
Tuesday April 22
Bankers Life Fieldhouse – Indianapolis, IN
7:00PM
Moneyline: Indiana -345, Atlanta +285
Spread: Indiana -7
Total: 187
NBA Odds: [dfads params=’groups=63740&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
Atlanta
They gave some back in the 4th but they got the victory and now they are in the driver’ seat in this first round series. Atlanta was looking lucky to make the playoffs last month but now with a matchup against one of the least steady top seeds I can remember they might actually steal this round.
If you will recall my series preview I wrote that Jeff Teague’s play would be critical for the Hawks.
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In the win on Saturday he scored a game high 28 points. He was steady throughout with just 2 turnover while making 9 of 10 free throws. The whole team shot 24 for 29 from the charity stripe as they took advantage of the opportunities that were presented to them. They should be playing with confidence in game 2.
The big question for this one will be the level of focus for the Hawks.
Will they go for the jugular against a wavering team or will they coast knowing they got a road win already. The fact that the spread on this is virtually the same as in G1 tells us a little bit as to what the oddsmakers expect.
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If you like Atlanta, maybe take them on the series line at this point.
Indiana
The beat goes on for Indiana as the pressure mounts after dropping the opener in this series.
The Pacers came out totally flat in the third losing the game despite outscoring the Hawks on the break and in the paint. This team is desperate for a win in G2 to get back their confidence let alone put them back in the series.
It is still amazing that they are the top seed in the East when you read about them on the web. You would think they barely qualified.
The Pacers were off the mark over the weekend. Sure it was nice to see Paul George and Lance Stephenson put up 24 and 19 points respectively but they shot just 14 for 36 combined. Really the majority of the team was off led by Luis Scola who was 0 for 6.
Assuming the percentages get back to normal in G2 Indiana should be able to get back in the series.
It is hard to say what the DEFCON level is in Indy right now.
I don’t want to say that G1 was their worst nightmare but it had to be pretty close.
They are still solid favorites and they should win in G2 but I don’t think there can be any comfort in backing these guys right now.
Spread prediction: Atlanta +7
Total prediction: Over
Score prediction: Indiana 100 – Atlanta 95
