Written by :
Published on :
This Hawks vs. Magic NBA Playoffs free pick is courtesy of Pregame.com. Be sure to check them out for all your NBA and Baseball free picks needs.
The Orlando Magic host the Atlanta Hawks in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Semi-Final. Orlando is coming off a sweep of the Bobcats, while the Hawks were pushed to a 7th game against the Bucks. The Magic are 9 point favorites, with a total of 192 tonight. TNT will broadcast the game at 8:00 EDT.
Orlando feels like they are just starting the playoffs again, as they've been off for a full 8 days. The Magic swept the Bobcats, yet had to wait for the Hawks to get past the Bucks in 7 games. Coach Van Gundy has his work cut out for him, as he looks to keep his team motivated during their layoff. The Magic have dominated the Hawks this season, going 3-1 both SU and ATS against them. Orlando has been playing great defense, as they have held their opposition to 90 PTS or fewer in each of their past 4 games. Their defensive effort along with a sound offense is a big reason why they've won their past 10 games entering tonight. Orlando is 63-23 SU and 49-35-2 ATS overall this season. The Magic haven't played at home in 13 days, yet they are 36-7 SU and 24-17-2 ATS in home games this season. The Magic are 43-30 ATS as the listed favorite this season. PG Jameer Nelson is averaging 23.8 PPG so far this postseason, easily leading the Magic. C Dwight Howard has been in foul trouble so far this postseason, yet he is anxious to play against his hometown team.
The Magic are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games following a SU win. The Under is 5-0 in their last 5 games against a team with a winning SU record. Guard Jameer Nelson is listed as Probable with stomach virus. Guard Mickael Pietrus is Questionable with an ankle injury.
Atlanta believed they were one of the best teams in the East all season long. The Hawks are breathing a big sigh of relief, considering they were pushed to 7 games by the Bucks. Atlanta faced elimination twice against the Bucks, and the Hawks are now saying that was a good thing for them moving forward. Atlanta is a very talented team, and they appear to be more focused than ever thanks to Milwaukee. Atlanta lost 3 of their 4 games SU and ATS to the Magic this year, by a combined 67 PTS. Atlanta is hoping their new-found focus will make them more competitive in this series. G Joe Johnson leads the Hawks in scoring this postseason, averaging 20.9 PPG. C Al Horford is averaging 15.6 PPG and nearly 10 RPG this postseason, and will have the enviable task of matching up with Dwight Howard. Atlanta has 5 players averaging at least 11 PPG this postseason, proving just how balanced this offense really is. Atlanta is 57-32 SU and 52-37 ATS overall this season.
Atlanta is 20-24 SU and 23-20-1 ATS on the road this season. The Hawks are 3-0 ATS as a road underdog between 6.5 and 9 PTS this season.
The Hawks are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games against a team with a winning percentage above .600%. The Over is 7-1 in the Hawks last 8 games as a road underdog.
Pregame.com projects the final score to be 97-95 in favor of the Orlando Magic. The Hawks +2 is the Side of the Day!
Johnny Detroit, Gambling911.com
