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NBA Lock Alert - Cleveland at Atlanta 1st Quarter Betting

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at Philips Arena in Game 4 of their second round playoff series tonight at 7 PM ET.

Cleveland looks to complete the sweep tonight in Atlanta, having demolished the Hawks in the first three games. In fact, Cleveland has won every game so far this postseason, and each by double figures. They’ve beaten the Hawks in the first three games by an average of 20.7 points. It’s hard to express just how dominant a performance it has been. Cleveland has keyed their victories with excellent first quarters, winning the initial frame in all three games. NBA bettors at the BetUS sportsbook an opportunity tonight to bet on that trend continuing. Here’s the current spread, the key numbers, some analysis, and finally, my pick.

Spread:

  • Cleveland Cavaliers -3pts -120
  • Atlanta Hawks +3pts -110

 

1st Quarter Betting Trends:

  • The Cavaliers have a +4.4 point differential in the 1st quarter this season.
  • The Hawks have a -1.7 point differential in the 1st quarter this season.
  • The Cavaliers have a +2.8 point differential on the road in the 1st quarter.
  • The Hawks have a -0.9 point differential at home in the 1st quarter.
  • The Cavaliers are 6-1 SU against the Hawks in the 1st quarter this season.
  • The Cavs are 3-0 SU against the Hawks in the 1st quarter in the playoffs.
  • The Cavs have a +6.7pt differential in the 1st quarter in those seven matchups.
  • The Cavs have a +5.7 differential in the 1st quarter in the three playoff games.

 

Analysis: The numbers above pretty much say it all. During the regular season and in the playoffs, Atlanta has been quite a good home team. Their +5.6 point differential at home is very strong. However, throughout the season they’ve gotten off to one bad start after another. It may be the coaching, the crowd or just the makeup of a few star players, but whatever it is, it’s a very solid trend.

Cleveland, on the other hand, is especially excellent in the first quarter, both at home and on the road. I’ve definitely made a decent sum this year betting them in the first Q. And when the two teams have hooked up this year, it’s gone exactly how you would expect. Atlanta has won the first quarter in only one of the seven games the two teams have played, and Cleveland’s average margin of victory is 6.7. They’re only a 3pt favorite tonight, so it should be easy money.

Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers -3 -120 (1st Quarter Handicap)