NBA Playoff Betting Picks – Cleveland Cavaliers at Atlanta Hawks

May 22, 2015 by R Keough

“Between the Chalk”

8:30 PM ET, May 22, 2015
Philips Arena, Atlanta, Georgia

The Atlanta Hawks (68-27, 55-38-2 ATS) will try to even the NBA Eastern Conference Final when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers (62-31, 45-48-0 ATS) at Philips Arena in Atlanta. The Cavaliers won SU and ATS in Game 1 on Wednesday night 97-89 as a 2-point road dog.

Agents using bookie software such as Premier Per Head local bookmaking software online currently have Atlanta a 2-point home favorite again for Game 2. Game 1 went well UNDER (199½), with bettors using sites for local bookies having to deal with a Game 2 total of 197.

The Hawks took a 26-20 lead into the second quarter, with the two tied 51-51 at the half. There were multiple lead changes in the third, until around the three and a half minute mark when Cleveland took the lead and never looked back.

The Cavs were up 74-67 after three, and built an 18-point lead just shy of the 10-minute mark of the fourth. The Hawks managed to get it within 4 with less than a minute to play, but Cleveland held on to take the opening game of the Conference Final.

King James led all players with 31 points going 12-26 from the field while adding 8 rebounds, 6 assists and a steal. James broke Michael Jordan’s record of 51 playoff games with at least 30 points, 5 rebounds and five assists with his Game 1 effort.

J.R. Smith was impressive coming off the bench to score 28 going 8 of 12 from beyond the arc. He also chipped in with 8 rebounds, three assists, one block and steal.

The Cavs exposed the Hawks biggest weakness by out rebounding them 49-37, with Timofey Mozgov (11), Tristan Thompson (10) and James (8) hauling down more than the highest Hawk as Paul Millsap, Al Horford and Kyle Korver had 7 to lead Atlanta.

Jeff Teague led the Hawks with 27 points, adding 3 rebounds, four assists and two steals. Pay Per Head agents watched the Hawks shoot 17.4% (4-23) from 3-point range, a stat that has to change if the Hawks stand a chance in this series.

Prediction

The Hawks may be without starter DeMarre Carroll who suffered a bone bruise in his left knee late in Game 1 and is listed as questionable. This will be a big online sports betting blow for Atlanta if he isn’t able to play or play up to par as Carroll is leading the Hawks in scoring this post-season with Teague.

LeBron looks to be up to the task of getting the Cavs to the Finals in his first year back with the team. He looked unstoppable at times in Game 1, and I expect that to continue in Game 2.