NBA Playoff Game 2 Betting: Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks – Free Pick and Prediction
[ad#Betus-250]This moves to Game 2 with the Hawks owning a 1-0 series lead. Many didn’t believe the Hawks belonged in the playoffs but they have proved worthy. The jumped out to an early lead against the Bulls and then they finished strong to victory. This game will take place on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
The Bulls looked sluggish and sometimes downright anemic in Game 1. They shot under 30% in the first quarter. All Star and probable MVP Derrick Rose didn’t score until late in the second period. The Bulls did manage to claw back in the third quarter but allowed the Atlanta Hawks to finish stronger. Luol Deng carried the Bulls offensively through the first half on Monday and finished with 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting. Rose did manage to accumulate 24 points and 10 assists for the game. He did not attempt a free throw which was a strong suit during the season by averaging 12 a game. The Hawks led the NBA in defensive shooting percentage during the season but something went awry with the Hawks firing shots in at a 51.3% success rate.
Joe Johnson has stunned the critics as many thought him to be a soft player. He scored 34 points with 5 for 5 from beyond the 3-point arc. Teammate Jamal Crawford chipped in 24 points for the Hawks off the bench. Josh Smith struggled from the floor for Atlanta, shooting 3-of-11 and just 2-of-4 from the line for eight points.
A less explosive Derrick Rose spells trouble for the Bulls. Rose is nursing an ankle injury as just hasn’t been able to shake defenders loose like he did in the regular season. Atlanta is riding high and now has a chance to move this series to a 2-0 lead. Look for Atlanta to cover the -8.5 spread in this game
