This is a 10* TOP FRIDAY TOTAL on the OVER Hawks/76ers.

I'm expecting a wide open affair here. I expected a faster-paced game last nigh between the Bucks and Rockets as well, and this one has a very similar feel to it here.

The Hawks have split their last eight games coming in averaging 112.8 PPG, while allowing 111.4.

Atlanta is in the playoff mix now after the hiring of Nate McMillion as head coach and after back-to-back losses (producing just 169 points combined), including a poor 127-83 setback here two nights ago, the Hawks will be desperate to break out of their slide. Despite who is on the floor playing, this one sets up great situationally for the visiting side to finally break out of its funk.

And the 76ers are in a battle for the NO. 1 seed in the East, and there's no reason not to think that they can't duplicate that same offensive output again tonight.

Finally note that the Hawks have seen the total go OVER the number in eight of their last 11 in trying to revenge a loss vs. an opponent in which they were held to 85 points or less.

This spread is too large to touch (either way), but everything points to the Hawks being much more competitive finally on the offensive end.

The play is the OVER.

Good luck, NP