Portland Trailblazers vs. Atlanta Hawks Odds & Pick: November 16th 2009

Portland Trailblazers vs. Atlanta Hawks
Free NBA Pick: Atlanta -3.5 -110 odds
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Two teams that are on fire right now hook up in the Peach State for a big time battle between the Portland Trailblazers and the Atlanta Hawks. The Blazers enter this contest on a six-game winning streak both SU and ATS. Atlanta has won and covered four in a row. Both teams have been impressive of late, but common logic points towards a victory for the hosts, as this is the final game of a long five-game roadie for Portland. But that’s not the only reason why I like Atlanta in this one…

The Trailblazers are only averaging 95.4 points per game this season, and shooting just 44.1% from the field as a team. Only scoring 80 points against Charlotte and 86 against New Orleans is far from impressive, and a similar effort in Atlanta will be a certain defeat. Sure, Portland’s defense is solid, but again, who has this team really played? Once again, the Bobcats and Hornets aren’t exactly offensive juggernauts.

Meanwhile, Atlanta’s offense has been absolutely fantastic. The unit is averaging 108 points per game, the third best mark in the NBA, and is knocking down shots at a 48.6% clip, the fourth best number in the league. Though the Hawks’ schedule has been conducive to a lot of scoring (New Orleans, New York, Denver, Charlotte, and Sacramento, of note), this is a team that has proven that it can score against the big boys as well. Don’t look any further than the 97-86 win in Boston Garden or the 118-110 loss at the Lakers. While the Blazers have been traveling all week, Atlanta has been at home since Saturday and should be rested up after a lengthy trip of six of its first seven games away from home.

These two teams already met earlier this season in Portland, with the Hawks taking a 97-91 decision. G Jamal Crawford led the way off the bench with 27 points and seven assists, while C Al Horford had a double-double with 11 points and 13 boards. Portland only shot 42.4% from the field and a woeful 6/21 from downtown. Even though the Blazers jumped out to a 25-15 lead in the first quarter, it was all downhill from there.

If the Hawks were that dominant in the midst of a wicked West Coast swing, imagine what they’re capable of at home? Atlanta is 12-3-1 ATS in its L/16 games against the Western Conference, 19-7-1 ATS in its L/27 games following an ATS victory and 18-7-2 ATS in its L/27 home games overall. Expect all of that to continue, as Portland’s winning streak comes to an end.

Play: Atlanta Hawks