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After winning the first two games, the Wizards now finds itself with a tied series as the Hawks jump back into competition, will it be Atlanta or Washington for the next round of the playoffs? Then, another series that’s tied with two games a piece, is the Boston Celtics vs Chicago Bulls; now heading back to Beantown, can the Bulls pull through as the 7.5-point underdogs?
First Round Predictions 2017 NBA Playoffs
- Atlanta Hawks vs Washington Wizards
- When: Wednesday, April 26, 2017, 6:00 PM ET
- Where: Verizon Center – Washington, D.C.
- Spread: Wizards -6
- Over/Under: 212.5
Betting on the Hawks?
The Hawks are still treading through mud even if they won both games at home. The series now heads to Washington where Atlanta hasn’t had too much success in winning. The Hawks are just 4-10 (6-7-1 ATS) in Washington, and have lost their last five games in a row.
However, if the Hawks can play at a level similar to that in Game 4, they have an even shot as the road underdogs. As has been the case, Paul Millsap and Dennis Schroder are critical players, but players such as Dwight Howard and Jose Calderon need to get into the thick of things if they hope to help their team pass to the next round.
Betting on the Wizards
The Wizards were not able to win a game in Atlanta. However, with the series heading back to their home court, things should be different.
John Wall and Bradley Beal are obviously this team’s workhorses, Wall had 29 in Game 3, while Beal scored 32 in Game 4. Markieff Morris does need to step up as he’s been outmatched by Paul Millsap and has only scored 21 total points over the first three games.
Betting Trends: Atlanta is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road; Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home.
Game Predictions: Washington wins at home. ATS bet is -6.
- Chicago Bulls vs Boston Celtics
- When: Wednesday, April 26, 2017 – 8:30 PM ET
- Where: TD Garden – Boston, MA
- Spread: Celtics -7.5
- Over/Under: 202.5
Betting on the Bulls?
The Bulls are crumbling to pieces, fast. Though they played well over the first two games, they’re now on the verge of blowing the lead they had, having lost the next two games.
Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade are doing their best, but are being outclassed and not really finding the basket. And, backup guards Michael Carter-Williams and Jerian Grant, are not cutting it either. Rajon Rondo’s absence is a clear factor that’s affecting the Bulls in moving the ball around and creating opportunities.
Betting on the Celtics?
Boston has played smartly; the Celtics can run, defend, shoot, and rebound effectively and this wreaks havoc in the Bulls’ defense.
Isaiah Thomas led the offense in Game 4, scoring 33 points and handing out seven assists, and got the better of Bulls center Robin Lopez in the battle in the paint. Gerald Green (scored a playoff career-high 18 pts.) and Kelly Olynyk (shot 4-for-4 for 10 points in 16 minutes), also contributed in the win.
Betting Trends: Chicago is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games; Boston is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games at home.
Game Predictions: Boston takes the series lead and wins the game. ATS bet is on Boston as well.
