Records:
Straight Up: 16-12
Spread: 15-13
Boston Celtics @ Atlanta Hawks
Straight Up: Celtics (-335)
Spread: Celtics (-8.0)
On Sunday, the Hawks managed to snap an eight game losing streak after beating the Cavs, 117-115. Although clearly the underdog, Atlanta took advantage of a Cleveland team that is enduring a historically slow start for a LeBron James led team. Tonight, the Hawks draw the Celtics who despite being without Gordon Hayward, hold the best record in the league. This is a no brainer, Celtics easily take care of the Hawks. Celtics are 5-0 ATS on the road this year.
Brooklyn Nets @ Phoenix Suns
Straight Up: Suns (+105)
Spread: Suns (+1.0)
After a surprisingly solid start to the season, the Nets have come back to Earth. Currently riding a four game losing streak, they travel to Phoenix tonight to face a Suns team that beat them last Tuesday. The Suns are by no means a much better team than the Nets, but they have improved since their early season coaching change. Couple a Nets cold streak with a long road trip to Phoenix and you have a recipe for a Suns win. The Nets are 0-5 SU and 1-4 ATS in their last five road games.
Miami Heat @ Golden State Warriors
Straight Up: Warriors (-1400)
Spread: Heat (+15.5)
Everything about this game points to an easy Warriors victory: at home and finally playing the brand of basketball we expect them to. Moreover, the Heat are on the second leg of a back-to-back and are playing their third straight road game. However, I came across a couple of very interesting statistics. The Heat are 11-1 SU and ATS in their last 12 games after winning as an underdog, the Heat are 13-0 ATS in their last 13 games as a road underdog, and the Heat are 4-0 ATS in their last four games against the Warriors. When you also consider that the Heat bested the Clippers on Sunday, that should be enough to believe they can keep this game within 15 points.
