It’s official: these Washington Wizards are no fluke. After sweeping their first round series against the Toronto Raptors in impressive fashion, the Wizards went into the home of the No. 1-seed Atlanta Hawks and snatched Game 1, 104-98. The Wizards’ talented backcourt led the charge, but both picked up injuries which could be cause for some concern heading into Game 2 on Tuesday.
Can the Hawks salvage a 1-1 split on their homecourt? Read on for our comprehensive preview of this pivotal Game 2 below. Also, check out our preview of Tuesday’s other Game 2 in the Grizzlies vs. Warriors.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Washington Wizards vs. Atlanta Hawks Game 2 Preview
Series Scores and Schedule
Game 1 – May 3, 1:00 PM ET – Washington Wizards 104 at Atlanta Hawks 98
Game 2 – May 5, 8:00 PM ET – Washington Wizards (+6.5) at Atlanta Hawks (-6.5); total 198.5 – view all NBA lines
Game 3 – May 9, 5:00 PM ET – Atlanta Hawks at Washington Wizards
Game 4 – May 11, 7:00 PM ET – Atlanta Hawks at Washington Wizards
Game 5* – May 13, TBD – Washington Wizards at Atlanta Hawks
Game 6* – May 15, TBD – Atlanta Hawks at Washington Wizards
Game 7* – May 18, 8:00 PM ET – Washington Wizards at Atlanta Hawks
*If necessary
Betting on the Washington Wizards
Whatever spell the Washington Wizards cast since the end of the regular season apparently hasn’t worn out yet. With their 104-98 Game 1 win over the Atlanta Hawks, the Wizards improved to 5-0 (5-0 against the spread) in these playoffs, and are 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 games.
[sc:NBA240banner ]Paul Pierce continued his role as the power forward in a small-ball lineup which Toronto had no answer for, and once again came up big in Game 1 with 19 points. But it was the terrific young backcourt of Bradley Beal and John Wall that carried the Wizards. Beal led all scorers with 28 points and seven rebounds, while Wall had 18 points, seven rebounds and 13 assists.
However, both guards picked up injuries in Game 1. Wall hurt his wrist, while Beal (22 points per game in the playoffs) more worryingly turned his right ankle in the fourth quarter and had to leave the game. The two are invaluable parts of a Wizards offense that is running very smoothly in the postseason, and having one or both playing at less than 100 percent would be a major blow.
Otto Porter, who had 10 points and 11 rebounds in Game 1, has been a revelation in these playoffs, while big men Drew Gooden (12 points and five rebounds) and Kevin Seraphin provide good minutes off the bench. But the Wizards would likely prefer keeping guards Martell Webster, Rasual Butler and Garrett Temple out of their playoff rotation in favor of Beal.
If both their starting guards aren’t noticeably affected by their injuries, the Wizards stand a great chance of taking a commanding 2-0 lead. Dating back to last season, Washington is now 8-1 in its last nine playoff road games.
Create a betting account now and stand a great chance of cashing in on some feisty road underdogs in these NBA playoffs.
Betting on the Atlanta Hawks
For one half, the Atlanta Hawks’ offense looked terrific. The Hawks stroked it to the tune of 52 percent from the field and 53 percent from beyond the arc, as they raced off to a 65-53 halftime lead. But they couldn’t quite keep up that pace, and the shooting woes that haunted them at the start of the Brooklyn series resurfaced.
Despite that hot opening half, the Hawks still conspired to shoot 38 percent from the floor and 34 percent from three for the game.
DeMarre Carroll, the Hawks’ most consistent player in these playoffs (18 points per game on 55 percent shooting), had a scorching game with 24 points and went 8-of-13 from the field, including 5-of-9 from three. But Kyle Korver had another off-night from deep, going just 3-of-11 on his three-point attempts. Jeff Teague, who’s playing through an ankle sprain, went 4-of-14 for 11 points.
That said, the Hawks did get their share of open looks and just failed to capitalize. They went 15-of-53 (28 percent) on uncontested shots in Game 1. Korver in particular should get more of those easy looks with Beal hobbled in Game 2, if he plays at all.
The Hawks should also be encouraged by their frontcourt, which played very well. Millsap had 15 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, while Horford went for 17-17-7. They basically took Nene (zero points in 17 minutes) out of the game, and dominated the glass in the fourth against Washington’s small lineup. Their size and versatility should remain a big advantage moving forward in the series.
The Hawks are 16-4 in their last 20 home games, but went just 11-9 against the spread. They’re just 1-3 against the spread at home in the playoffs.
Writer’s Prediction
Beal isn’t quite as effective while the Hawks improve their shooting from Game 1. Take Atlanta (-6.5) to win and cover in Game 2.
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