NBA Sports Betting Nuggets @ Hawks
While the Denver Nuggets ( 19-11 SU, 16-13-1 ATS, 15-15 O/U) have been mired in somewhat of a mini-slump recently, the now revitalized ballclub has won two straight games in the BetUS Sportsbook coming into tonight’s meeting against the suddenly defensive-minded Atlanta Hawks (19-10 SU, 17-12 ATS, 10-17-2 O/U).
Thanks to the addition of veteran point guard Chauncey Billups, the Nuggets have been transformed from a high-scoring team with no focus, into a legitimate contender in the Western Conference.
Denver is coming off a solid 117-100 win over the New York Knicks on Sunday where they covered the spread for BetUS NBA sports betting buffs as a 4.5-point road favorite.
Forward Carmelo Anthony scored a game-high 32 points on 13-of-19 shooting from the field to go along with nine rebounds for Denver while shooting guard J.R. Smith added 16 points and Billups 14 points in the win.
Anthony returned to the Nuggets following a three-game absence because of a sore right elbow.
“I think that was the best thing that ever happened to me,” Anthony said of the week off. “At first I was a little hesitant about doing it. Any time you can get rest during a long season like this, it helps.”
“He was really hot. It’s good to have him back,” Denver guard Chauncey Billups said. “They never doubled him and if they would have, he’s grown to the player that was going to make the next play, make the pass.
The Hawks are coming off a thrilling 129-117 win over the Chicago Bulls on Saturday, led by shooting guard Joe Johnson’s game-high 41. Atlanta covered the spread for BetUS NBA sports betting backers as a 9-point home favorite as athletic forward Josh Smith added 24 points and Marvin Williams 16 in the win.
Johnson, who recorded a triple-double in his previous game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, fell one point shy of matching his career scoring high, set in 2006.
“The guys were saying I should keep the ball and go to the free-throw line,” Johnson said of the last minute, when the Bulls had to foul. “But all that mattered to me is that we won the game.”
Atlanta’s 129 points Saturday were a season high and came after it averaged 92.7 points in the previous 11 games.
“It shows that we are versatile,” forward Josh Smith said. “It doesn’t matter whether we’re playing a fast style of basketball or slow, just as long as we win.”
Here is a look at tonight’s key betting trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NBA Free Pick:
The Nuggets are 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 vs. Eastern Conference.
The Nuggets are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600.
The Hawks are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
The Hawks are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
The Under is 5-1 in Nuggets last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
The Under is 9-0 in Hawks last 9 games playing on 1 days rest.
The Nuggets are 3-7 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
The Nuggets are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Atlanta.
NBA Odds
Denver Nuggets +5 -110
Atlanta Hawks -5 -110
Over 200 -110
Under 200 -110
Analysis: This game should be an absolute barn-burner as these two teams are very evenly matched. While I like the high-flying Hawks with their new defensive mentality, to win this contest at home, I think the Nuggets are going to really push the Hawks for the outright win with Carmelo Anthony back in the lineup.
Take the Nuggets, with the points, to cover the spread by the slimmest of margins. I also like the Under in a big way in for this matchup and think it may be an even better play than the ATS selection.
