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Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks Game 6 NBA Preview & Free Pick

Pacers vs. Hawks NBA Handicapping

Something happens to the Indiana Pacers when they head to Atlanta. Maybe a few of the players sneak off to the Gold Club for some entertainment. Who knows?

Eastern Conference
Indiana Pacers (3-2) at Atlanta Hawks (2-3)
Friday, May 3
Philips Arena, Atlanta
7:05 p.m. EST
Spread – Hawks -2 at DSI
O/U – 187.5

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Whatever it is, the Pacers have been owned by the Hawks in Atlanta. The last 13 trips to Georgia have resulted in 13 losses for the Pacers, and in order to end this Eastern Conference playoff quarterfinal series tonight they have to figure out a way to end the pain and suffering in the Peach state.

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This has turned into a home-court series. In none of the five games has the visiting team taken the game into the final few minutes with a legit chance to win. Atlanta has dominated play in its two home games, offing the Pacers 90-69 in Game 3 and 106-83 in Game 4. (Note here: Home domination is just a continuation of the regular-season.

Including playoffs, these teams have played 9 games this season and the home team has won all 9.)

Paul George, in particular, has been a different player in Atlanta than he has shown at home. George has been a non-factor in games not played in Indiana, going 6 for 16 and 4 for 11 in the two games in Atlanta, but dominating at home.

Indiana coach Frank Vogel shrugs off the home-court dynamic and says that the matchup has been a series of counter-moves. [ad-6571516]

“When you play a game and if something works or it doesn’t work, you make the adjustments,” said Vogel. “Their adjustments, give [Atlanta coach] Larry Drew credit, changed the series a little bit down there. Hopefully we changed it back into our momentum. Hopefully we can get Game 6.”

Atlanta, which is notorious front-running team, didn’t put up much of a fight in Indiana two nights ago as the Pacers took control of things in the middle periods, then dug in on defense over the final quarter on the way to a 106-83 waltz that gave them their 3-2 series edge.

The Hawks definitely need Josh Smith and Al Horford to step up their games tonight. Horford and Smith combined for 28 points in Game 5 in Indiana, but were a combined 10 for 30 from the floor. Home teams can survive that kind of shooting, but on the road that usually results in a loss.

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It’s time to dig in defensively and bettors should take a hard look at a play on the under here. The over has cashed four of the five games, which has nudged the total up to 187.5, presenting an opportunity for this one to go low. Over the last four seasons Atlanta has played in five playoff series that have included a Game 6.

Every one of those Game 6s has gone under.

This one should be no different.

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!