This is an 8* TOTAL BLOCKBUSTER on the UNDER between the Washington Wizards and the Atlanta Hawks.

For a number of different reasons I expect this total to fall below the posted number once the final horn blares. Atlanta was able to handle the Nets in six games: "When we are playing the right way," Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll said last night, "we can beat anybody." Atlanta was tough to beat at home and has an advantage here of facing a Wizards team that swept Toronto in the first round and which hasn't played in a week. A great situational spot, I think Washington comes in a bit flat footed to start this contest because of the extra time off, while Atlanta is in a prime spot for a mental letdown after the tougher than expected series win over the Nets. Atlanta took three of the four regular season meetings and this series will feature a couple of the league's best point-guards going head to head. The Wizards though were an underdog against the Raptors as well, but their big men dominated the paint, a crucial factor that under-sized Atlanta will have to deal with throughout this series. Also note that Washington owns a 7-1 road record in the playoffs over the last two seasons. Suffice it to say, this is going to be a competitive battle. Note that the Wizards have seen the total go UNDER the number in all five games they've played this year after playing to three or more consecutive overs, while the Hawks has seen the total dip below the posted number in 21 of 37 this season after scoring 105 points or more. Play on the UNDER.

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