Wise Guy
(NBA) Atlanta vs. Philadelphia,
Point Spread: -11.00 | -102.00 Atlanta (Away)
Result: Win
NBA Game of the Month

The Hawks are a covering machine and as a new power, no way they overlook the overmatched Sixers. Frankly nothing of enormous statistical significance, but enough to confirm my experience, really bad teams off consecutive victories are good fade. Philly is a bit fat and happy with some good road play, which only helps ensure the shockingly dominant Hawks will not be caught by surprise.

Keep in mind the Sixers last two wins were in closing seconds, so they have had good fortune. Sneaking under the radar would be losing close games. In fact, Home dog off win of 3 or less are 188-283-6.

Atlanta has ripped off eight straight wins. In fact, after starting the season out with a mediocre 7-6 record, the Hawks have rolled to a 22-2 mark to surge to the top of the Eastern Conference.

The Hawks are just beating teams, either. They are dominating. They have won their games during this current 10-game run by an average of 10.0 points. Obviously this has been against teams better than Philly.

The Hawks offense is a force to be reckoned with. They fill up the stat sheet with all five starters averaging double figures in points to help the team score a combined 102.9 per game, good enough for seventh in the league.

Not only are the Hawks balanced but they are also extremely efficient. They rank fifth in the NBA in field goal percentage (46.7) and third in three-point percentage (38.3).

That will present a huge challenge for a Sixers team that has shown strides on defense but is far from a finished product.

The Sixers are allowing 103.0 points per game this season. The Hawks have outscored the Sixers by an average of 16.6 points during a five-game win streak between the two teams. Enjoy another blowout.