Brooklyn at Atlanta Lines, Expert Pick & TV Info

Posted by Kenny Bell on Tuesday,March 7, 2017 8:24, EDT in

NBA News, Betting Tips, Picks & Previews

You have to feel for Nets fans. They can’t even root for their team to tank the rest of the way because Brooklyn must give up its 2017 first-round draft pick to Boston. The NBA-worst Nets continue a long road trip Wednesday night at Atlanta, which will be a solid online favorite on NBA lines.

Brooklyn at Atlanta Lines, Expert Pick & TV Info

When: Wednesday, March 8, 7:30 PM ET
Where: Philips Arena, Atlanta
TV: NBA League Pass
Stream: NBA.tv
Radio: Brooklyn / Atlanta
NBA Odds: Hawks favored by TBA

Why Bet on Brooklyn?

Will the Nets have Joe Harris here? Harris (concussion, shoulder) missed Monday’s game against the Grizzlies due to a concussion and a sprained left shoulder. If Harris remains out, it likely means a few more minutes for Caris LeVert, Randy Foye and Sean Kilpatrick. Harris was injured after a hard fall in a game on Friday night. Until he is free of concussion symptoms he’ll remain on the shelf. Harris has scored 10+ points 19 times this season after doing so three times in his first two NBA seasons combined. Harris has 72 3FGM off the bench this season (tied for the sixth-most 3FGM by a Nets reserve in a season in franchise history).

Brook Lopez has shot 97-of- 286 (.339) from 3-point range this season. In his first eight NBA seasons combined, he shot 3-of- 31 from three in the regular season. Lopez is second on the team in 3FGM and first in 3FGA. He’s buried three or more 3-pointers 15 times this season after making three 3-pointers in his career prior to this season.

Lopez has made 97 threes and blocked 98 shots in 56 games this season. He is one of just four players to record 90+ 3-pointers and 90+ blocks this season, joining Kevin Durant, Serge Ibaka and Kristaps Porzingis. Lopez is already the only player in franchise history to reach those totals in a single season.

Lopez’s single-season career-high for apg is 2.3 (2009-10); he’s averaging 2.5 apg this season. The Nets are sixth in the league in percentage of points in the paint (.435) and fifth in percentage of points from 3-pointers (.311). They are first in the league in Pace (the number of possessions a team uses per game) at 103.7. Memphis is 28th (95.4). The Nets are second in the league in bench ppg (44.9), trailing only the L.A. Lakers (49.9).

Trevor Booker has a team-high 16 double-doubles this season, marking his single-season career high. Booker had four in 79 games with Utah last season. Booker’s 8.6 rpg leads the team and ranks 19th in the league. He’s snared 10+ boards 22 times this season after doing so 21 times in his previous four seasons combined (2012-16).

Why Bet on Hawks?

The Hawks have claimed Jose Calderon off waivers. This move was expected ever since Kevin Durant (knee) went down for Golden State. Calderon was signed by the Warriors for two hours before releasing him to allow the Hawks to claim him. Considering Malcolm Delaney hasn’t played too well, Calderon may be the new backup point guard.

Meanwhile, swingman Mike Dunleavy has been diagnosed with right ankle synovitis and will now “undergo a period of rest, treatment and rehabilitation.” Dunleavy is out indefinitely, as it appears he won’t even be able to practice for quite some time. He was acquired in the Kyle Korver trade.

Tim Hardaway Jr. has extended his career-long streak with 18 consecutive games scoring in double-figures from 1/25-3/6/17, including a career-high 36 vs. Cleveland 3/3. Hardaway Jr. currently ranks tied for seventh in the NBA in ppg off the bench (12.1). Hardaway Jr. is averaging 30.0 ppg (60) on .611 FG% (22-36), .563 3FG% (9-16) and .875 FT% (7-8) over the last two games; making at least four triples and scoring above 20 points, while shooting above .500 FG% and .500 3FG% in both contests.

Ersan Ilyasova is shooting .800 FG% (12-15), .714 3FG% (5-7) and 1.000 FT% (4-4), and averaging 11.0 ppg (33) over the last three games off the bench; shooting at least .500 FG% in each contest and scoring in double-figures twice.

The Hawks rank eighth in the NBA in assists at 23.7 per game, dishing out at least 20 helpers in 50 contests, including 25-plus on 28 occasions (seven 30-assist nights). Atlanta is recording assists on 61.6% of their made baskets, seventh in the league.

Atlanta is tied for fourth in the NBA in spg (8.4), while ranking third in forcing turnovers as foes are committing 15.4 miscues per game (leading to 16.6 points). The Hawks have had 21 games this year with double-digit thefts (15-6 record).