Game: Golden State Warriors at Atlanta Hawks (Thursday 12/30 1:00 CET)
The key in this game is Warriors problem in the frontcourt because however it's not their strength and most probably no one analysis this factor between these two teams, I suppose it'll cause huge troubles for the gusts. Generally speaking this team is very mediocre in the paint, so with two centers missing the game (Biedrins is OUT, while Gadzuric questionable and I doubt he plays), they won't take advantage to biggest opponents weakness. Hawks have been outrebounded in most games lately and actually their starting big man Collins is average, theoretically non-existing offensively - now with Warriors being even worse under the rim, the Hawks will have a chance to concentrate on perimeter, when they're a lot better team than opponents. Of course guests know how to score, having very good shooters, however they won't have chance to stop opponents as Warriors defense is purely bad. On the other hand Hawks are solid on defensive end, allowing only 94.2 points per game, so they shouldn't allow triple digits number of points in here, while offensively, they should put up a big number, having Johnson, Bibby and Smith against horrible defenders like Curry, Ellis and Wright. When it comes to statistics, Warriors are struggling on the road, having 4-12 SU season record, while Hawks have been dominating at home, going 4-1 ATS in last five as hosts. -7.0 ain't a big spread as Hawks are a lot better, have got home-court advantage and finally face a team, which won't kill them in the frontcourt and it's a X-factor for me.
Pick: 1 unit on Atlanta Hawks -7.0 @ 1.943
The key in this game is Warriors problem in the frontcourt because however it's not their strength and most probably no one analysis this factor between these two teams, I suppose it'll cause huge troubles for the gusts. Generally speaking this team is very mediocre in the paint, so with two centers missing the game (Biedrins is OUT, while Gadzuric questionable and I doubt he plays), they won't take advantage to biggest opponents weakness. Hawks have been outrebounded in most games lately and actually their starting big man Collins is average, theoretically non-existing offensively - now with Warriors being even worse under the rim, the Hawks will have a chance to concentrate on perimeter, when they're a lot better team than opponents. Of course guests know how to score, having very good shooters, however they won't have chance to stop opponents as Warriors defense is purely bad. On the other hand Hawks are solid on defensive end, allowing only 94.2 points per game, so they shouldn't allow triple digits number of points in here, while offensively, they should put up a big number, having Johnson, Bibby and Smith against horrible defenders like Curry, Ellis and Wright. When it comes to statistics, Warriors are struggling on the road, having 4-12 SU season record, while Hawks have been dominating at home, going 4-1 ATS in last five as hosts. -7.0 ain't a big spread as Hawks are a lot better, have got home-court advantage and finally face a team, which won't kill them in the frontcourt and it's a X-factor for me.
Pick: 1 unit on Atlanta Hawks -7.0 @ 1.943
