Atlanta Hawks @ LA Clippers
Usually i would have trouble backing a team that has not won a game yet this year, however the Clippers are in a position tonight that I found very profitable last year in the NBA. I found that teams that blew a lead at home, and lost the game and plays the next game at home as a favorite usually rebounds very well. The Clippers built a strong double digit lead to the warriors before losing a game in OT. Some numbers also show that the clippers rebound well after a loss as a home favorite (3-2 su and 4-1 ats). I also look for paticular players to get the job done. Elton Brand comitted a costly foul in OT, and then missed a jumper at the buzzer. I also look for Lamar Odom to play well tonight as after a great night in which he just missed a triple-double, coach Alvin gentry was compelled to say "Lamar hasn't played well." Although he is listed as probable with a foot injury I look for him to get the start.
The Hawks on the other hand come in off a huge win against the Miami Heat, and take to the road for a four game road trip against some tough teams to include the jazz, suns, spurs, and of course, the clippers. The Hawks are just miserable on the road as they are just 7-35 on the road over the last season, and are just 4-25 straight on the road vs. the western conference. In the first game of a road trip that consists of at least three games they are just 1-10 su, and 1-9-1 ats. The most telling number for the Hawks maybe how they do after a 1 game winning streak SU and ATS. In this spot they are just 5-18 SU, and 3-20 ATS. The Hawks were called on to play agressive on the defensive side of the ball, and I look for them to be worn down tonight. I told them to be aggressive," Kruger said, adding he wanted an active defense
Finally for those of you who have not watched a clipper game, especially at home (5-1 ATS L6) it is an electric environment. The Clip Joint is actually some serious home court advantage for this team, if you can get past Bill Walton doing the game you'll be just fine.
This game would have been a four unit play, but with the possibility od Odom sitting out and my recent slide, I'll stick it at a three unit. I still would play this for three units even if Odom does not play.
Clippers -4
JT
Sneaks
Sneaks
