NBA Betting? Blazers vs. Hawks Predictions
NBA betting action sees the Portland Trail Blazers taking on the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, Jan. 29 at Philips Arena. Cappers Picks provides free NBA handicapping tips all season long.
2015 NBA Picks
Portland Trail Blazers (32-14) @ Atlanta Hawks (38-8)
Friday, Jan. 29
7:30 p.m. ET
Philips Arena
TV: Local
NBA Betting Lines: Atlanta -7
NBA Betting Total: 202.5
***2015 NBA BONUSES***
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Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers may have lost their last contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but they kept it close late, coming away with a win ATS.
Against Atlanta, the Blazers have the unfortunate luxury of going up against the league’s longest winning streak. The Hawks have won an impressive 17-straight contests.
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How do the Blazers beat the NBA’s hottest team? For starters, score early and score often. Atlanta is giving up the fewest points per game in the entire Association, and a big reason for that is it’s fifth in defending the three-point line.
The Blazers need players such as Wesley Matthews, Nicolas Batum and Damian Lillard to get their shot going from downtown early. Lillard is in the midst of the worst slump of his young career, so getting him confidence in the first half will make a big difference late.
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That’s something he couldn’t do in the SU loss to the Cavs on Wednesday.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks may be fifth in defending the three-point line, but the Blazers are better. That’s not a knock on the Hawks. The Blazers are better than 29 other teams when it comes to opponent three-point percentage.
For that reason, it’s as crucial that Atlanta gets a guy like Kyle Korver going the same way Portland needs its long-distance shooters to get going. Look for Korver to have extra motivation, as his absence from the Eastern Conference All-Star team will be noted.
Aside from Korver, look for Al Horford and Paul Millsap to be aggressive in this one. Not only is Robin Lopez out with a hand injury (Joel Freeland is sidelined as well), but LaMarcus Aldridge is playing with a torn ligament in his left hand.
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Aldridge’s scoring has not been impacted by the thumb injury, but he’s admitted that forcing big men out of the paint is more difficult with the limited force he can exert from his off-hand.
NBA Handicapping Trends:
- POR are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
- Under is 8-1 in ATL last 9 Fri. games.
- Under is 7-2 in ATL last 9 vs. NBA Northwest.
- ATL are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 home games.
- Under is 8-1 in the last 9 meetings.
4* NBA Prediction: Portland +7
The Atlanta Hawks are the NBA’s hottest team. Having a spread in their favor makes sense.
Seven points, though? Not against this Portland team.
The Blazers have been resilient all year. They are easily the best team in the league when coming from behind, and they have the weapons to get ahead early if their starting unit can come together despite the numerous injuries they’re currently enduring.
Whether or not Portland wins this contest, it should be close late. Looks for Portland to come away with a win on the road ATS.
Check out our Updated NBA Betting Odds.
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