This is a 10* TOTAL BLOCKBUSTER on the UNDER between the Washington Wizards and the Atlanta Hawks.

For a number of different reasons I look for this total to fall below the posted number once the final horn blares. I had the UNDER in Game 1, and after three straight high-scoring quarters, both teams struggled offensively in the fourth frame, the total barely eclipsed the number with just seconds remaining. Suffice it to say, I am expecting a much more methodically paced affair in Game 2 and a slower game = less shots and less shots = less points. It's safe to say that it will be all hands on deck for the Hawks, it was a definite letdown on their part and an 0-2 hole will be just too much for this team to climb out of in my opinion. Also note, the Wizards got monumental games from guards Bradley Beal (playoff career high 28 points) and John Wall (18 points, 13 assists), but each comes in banged up after the Game 1 upset, as Beal would roll his ankle, while Wall suffered a hand injury. It was no doubt a wake up call for Atlanta, it was the first time that it's lost when leading heading into the fourth quarter after winning all 29 such instances in the regular season and three so far in the playoffs. The Wizards looked great defensively, obviously they're not going to be just rolling over today, the unit held the Hawks to just 35 second half points: "We know that they're going to come out aggressive and give us a punch right away," Wall assessed last night. "We can trust anybody leading us in scoring. When we play team defense, we're a pretty good team." Note that Washington has seen the total go UNDER the number in five of six this year after playing to three or more consecutive OVERS, while Atlanta has seen the total dip below the posted number in nine of 11 this season in revenging a home loss vs. an opponent and in eight of 13 off an upset loss as a favorite. Play on the UNDER.

AAA Sports