NBA Picks: Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks

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Last Updated on Thursday, 05 January 2012 11:20
Written by BetRepublic
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Miami looks to even the season series with an Atlanta team who are leading the league in fewest points allowed

Indiana failed its test against a top offense Wednesday but Miami may have paid the bigger price when LeBron James injured his left ankle late in the third quarter.

There are no guarantees Miami’s leading scorer will play tonight as the Heat (6-1 SU) look to keep pace with the Chicago Bulls for the league’s top record, but sportsbooks are still offering this game with a line of Heat (-2, O/U 188.5).

We missed our play on the underdog Pacers Wednesday when James recorded 33 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds on the way to a 118-83 win, but if James misses tonight’s game this could be a good spot to back the under.

The Heat are damaged goods with Dwyane Wade (foot) also listed as questionable. Atlanta is holding opponents to 85.7 points per game and before this line drops, we’re recommending a play on the under 188.5 at Sportsbetting.ag.

NBA Trends by Armadillo.com


Hot Teams
-- Miami won six of first seven games, but only loss was to Atlanta at home Monday. Hawks are 2-0 at home, winning by 18-7 points.
-- Spurs are 4-0 at home (3-1 vs. spread) winning by 13-25-15-6 points. Dallas won three of last four games, but is 0-2 on road, losing by 2-17.
-- Portland won four of its first five games.

Cold Teams
-- Sacramento won/covered once in its last six games. Bucks are 0-3 on road, losing by 1-5-12 points (0-2-1 vs. the spread).
-- Lakers lost both their road games, both by nine points.

Totals
-- Five of seven Miami games went over the total.
-- Last three Dallas games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 3-0 when a team is playing third night in a row.
-- Six of seven Lakers games stayed under the total.

Wear and Tear
-- Heat is playing 4th game in five nights. Atlanta is playing its 7th game in last ten nights.
-- Dallas is playing 6th game in eight nights. San Antonio is playing its third game in last four nights.
-- Kings are playing third night in row. Milwaukee is playing its third game in last four nights.
-- Second game in four nights for both Portland/Lakers.

SU: Straight-up
ATS: Against the spread
O/U: Over/Under