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Hawks vs. Heat Cappers Monday NBA Preview & Free Pick

Hawks vs Heat NBA Handicapping

In a league season filled with so many throwaway games, it’s nice to be able to check in once in a while on a matchup that has a little juice.

Atlanta Hawks (12-5) at Miami Heat (13-5)
Monday, Dec. 10
American Airlines Arena, Miami
7:30 p.m. EST
Spread: Heat -7 Bovada.lv
O/U: 195.5

Matchup | Preview

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The Heat are looking to get their legs under themselves after a rough week that included a bizarre loss to the woeful Wizards and a 20-point slap in the face – at home, no less – administered by the Knicks. LeBron and the boys had no trouble with the Hornets on Saturday night, and the Hawks represent Game 3 of a 6-date home stand.

What’s wrong with the Heat?

A better question might be: Is there anything wrong with the Heat?

Truth be told, Miami is winning at a higher rate (72 percent) that it did through the shortened 66-game season a year ago, when the Heat won at a 69 percent. [ad-6571516]

But with Miami every hiccup is dissected, so tonight’s game against the Hawks gives the Heat a chance to put those back-to-back losses in the rear view mirror.

One side note: Ray Allen, who left the Celtics because he felt he was being written out of the offense, is averaged 8.4 shots a game with the Heat after getting 10.4 with Boston last season. Go figure.

Atlanta, meanwhile, has been quietly going about its business and will take the court with a three-game winning streak after taking down the Grizzlies in Memphis. The Hawks just might have figured out how to win on the road, basically by utilizing a quick three-guard rotation (Jeff Teague, Lou Williams and Devin Harris) that applies constant pressure on both ends of the court.

One key to Atlanta’s improvement has been the consistency of center Al Horford, who has five consecutive double-doubles. Horford has not had a lot of success against the Heat since James came on board a few years ago.

The pick: Miami has won 9 of 10 at home this season and should be paying attention for a while after the embarrassing loss to the Knicks.

Heat to cover 7.

By Lawrence Paul

Lawrence Paul is back in the saddle as a regular contributor to the Cappers Picks Blog. He's got an AMAZING knack for predicting when a team will have a letdown! Stick with our resident gambling experts sports betting tips all season long!