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NBA Parlay Picks – Hawks, Celtics To Renew Rivalry Tonight

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Atlanta (+8½) at Boston (-8½)

(O/U) 193½
Tonight 8:00 PM ET

The Boston Celtics (8-1 SU, 5-4 ATS, 4-5 O/U) had laid so many ‘smackdowns’ on their opponents this season, I’m starting to think they belong in the MMA or something.

The Atlanta Hawks (6-2 SU, 7-1 ATS, 6-2 O/U) however have been playing their own brand of stellar basketball coming into their anticipated matchup against the Celtics tonight.

The Eastern Conference rivals will square off at Boston’s TD Banknorth Garden tonight at 8 PM ET looking to extend their respective winning streaks.

Both teams have won two consecutive games coming in with Boston routing the Utah Jazz 105-86 on Wednesday to cover the game’s NBA point spread as an 11-point home favorite while Atlanta spanked the New York Knicks 114-101 on Wednesday to cash in as 5-point road favorites.

Seven Celtics scored in double figures in their win while Al Horford scored a game-high 25 points and Josh Smith added a double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds on Wednesday to lead Atlanta to victory.

Here is a look at the key trends for this contest, followed by my in-depth analysis and expert NBA Free Picks:

  • Hawks are 7-1-1 ATS in their last 9 games overall.
  • Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.
  • Home team is 9-2 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
  • Over is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings.
  • Under is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings in Boston.
  • Hawks are 1-5 ATS in the last 6 meetings in Boston.

Analysis: While the Celtics are playing at home in this matchup and have the league’s best defense, I like the way the Atlanta Hawks are playing coming into this contest and genuinely believe they are going to cover the spread in this matchup with just a bit of room to spare.

While Boston has gone a solid 4-1 ATS in their last five games against Eastern Conference opponents, the Hawks have gone an even more impressive 7-1-1 ATS in their last nine games overall.

I know the home team in this series has gone 9-2 ATS in the last 11 meetings and that the Hawks are just 1-5 ATS in the last six meetings in Boston, but I like the way the Hawks are going inside to young center Al Horford much more this season to compliment the usually stellar perimeter play of shooting guard Joe Johnson and athletic ability of high-flying forward Josh Smith.

I also like the Under in a big way in this matchup with Boston playing its deliberate brand of offense and absolutely phenomenal defense.

The Under has gone 9-4 in the last 13 meetings in Boston and I say it plays out again tonight.

The Celtics win at home here, but the cover goes to the Hawks while the Under plays out BetUS pro basketball gambling enthusiasts.

NBA Free Picks: Hawks +8½ Points/Under 193 ½ Total Points