NBA Predictions: Cavs vs Hawks Picks
NBA betting action sees the Cleveland Cavaliers taking on the Atlanta Hawksin Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Cappers Picks provides free NBA handicapping tips all season long.
NBA Basketball Odds
Cleveland Cavaliers (62-31) vs. Atlanta Hawks (68-27)
Friday, May 22
8:30 PM
TNT
Philips Arena (Atlanta, Georgia)
NBA Betting Lines: Atlanta -2
NBA O/U: 196
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A series that was going to be scrappy and physical lived up to those expectations in Game 1 as Cleveland stole home court advantage right off the bat. Now, with both teams dealing with injury problems, Atlanta will look to even things up in a pivotal Game 2 on Friday.
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The Hawks might be in for some serious problems as they may need to figure out who will try to contain Lebron James as DeMarre Carroll remains questionable for the game.
(2) Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers stole home court advantage immediately as they pulled away in the 2nd half to secure a 97-89 win over Atlanta in Game 1. However, Kyrie Irving remained on the bench for a majority of the 2nd half, but his status remains positive for Game 2.
Irving aggravated his left knee in Game 1 and did not return as the Cavaliers went to Matthew Dellavedoa. Irving missed shootout around and was officially tabbed the “questionable” label for Game 2.
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When talking to reporters though, Irving told them he would be willing to play through the discomfort.
He ended up finishing with 10 points and 6 assists in the 27 minutes he played in Game 1.
Cleveland also got another scare when Lebron James stepped on the leg of a TNT cameraman and was seen visibly limping off the court. His ankle injury, now combined with his bad back could be a lingering problem for James.
However, he didn’t looked phased down the stretch of Game 1 as he dominated and finished with 31 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in the win.
(1) Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta not only lost home court advantage, but they may have lost their best player this postseason. DeMarre Carroll went down in grimacing pain in the 3rd quarter following a layup attempt and was aided to the locker room. Carroll had the duties of guarding Lebron James in Game 1.
In an MRI Thursday it was revealed he had a bruised bone and is officially questionable for Game 2.
Carroll had just 5 points and 3 rebounds, but was doing a stellar job at slowing down Lebron. Should Carroll not be able to go, Kent Bazemore will more than likely get the honors of guarding James.
While Jeff Teague played very well in Game 1, Paul Millsap and Dennis Schroder shot a combined 5 of 21 from the field. Both players will need to step up considerably if Atlanta hopes to avoid a 2-0 gap.
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Kyle Korver has averaged just 5.2 points over his last 5 games.
NBA Handicapping Trends:
- Cavaliers are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
- Cavaliers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 Conference Finals games.
- Hawks are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 home games.
- Hawks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Free 4* NBA Pick: Atlanta -2
While Carroll’s status is up in the air right now, Atlanta is the number 1 seed for a reason.
Atlanta 107, Cleveland 100
They know a 2-0 hole to Cleveland is almost insurmountable. The Hawks even things up Friday and the series is back on.
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