NBA Playoff Odds: Atlanta Hawks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Game 1
After finishing off the Miami Heat on Sunday with a convincing 91-78 Game 7 win, the Atlanta Hawks tip off Game 1 of their second round series at top seed Cleveland on Tuesday, May 5th at 8:00 pm EST on TNT. The Cavaliers have not played since April 26th after sweeping the Detroit Pistons in round one, but NBA odds makers don’t see the long layoff as an issue, listing the Cavaliers as 11.5-point favorites with the total set at 179.5.
When you have a series that features a team coming off a long layoff versus a team coming off a very short break, the debate about rest versus rust must be discussed. It was either extreme focus by the Cavs in round one or an extreme lack of it by the Detroit Pistons that allowed Cleveland to finish them off in just four games. Pistons fans may not like to hear it, but I lean toward the latter. Either way, the Cavs come in off a 9-day layoff and they hope that it doesn’t derail their focus. Cleveland is 41-2 at home this season so it would be a huge upset for the Hawks to steal a game on the road, but Atlanta has given the Cavs some problems this season. Atlanta has a 5-point home win, a 1-point home loss, and a 6-point road loss against the Cavs in the last 3 meetings this season, covering the spread each time. All in all, the Hawks have struggled on the road though, going just 17-27, but they are 22-20 ATS in those games. While the Cavs could come out a little over excited or a little sluggish after such a long break, it’s hard to imagine them not settling down or playing their way out of it by the end of the first quarter. One big advantage that long layoffs do give a team is a chance to really prepare for its next opponent. If you think Cleveland comes out with smoking guns in Game 1, bet the Cavaliers -11.5 at Bookmaker and receive a 20% cash bonus.
This young Atlanta team has not had much success on the road this season, but it was able to steal a game on the road in its first round series against the Heat in order to regain the home court advantage. I certainly don’t expect the Hawks to win this series, but the question is if they can play Cleveland tough like they did during the regular season. Atlanta definitely has the athletes to run and defend, but it will come down to execution and poise. The Cavs have only lost 16 times all season and one of those losses came to the Hawks. As I already mentioned, the Hawks nearly beat them a second time, too. For Atlanta to have a shot, they’ll need to turn LeBron James into a jump shooter and perimeter passer. If he is able to get into the lane at will, this series is a done deal. While LeBron is a good passer, and an improved jump shooter, you’ll live with the Cavs beating you with him doing the two things I just mentioned as opposed to dunking on you in the paint. If you think Atlanta can stick with Cleveland in game 1, bet the Hawks at +11.5 at Bookmaker.
Make sure you consult Jimmy Boyd’s NBA picks before doing any NBA wagering on this game.
