Atlanta at Portland

Atlanta has a winning road record because of a strong defense, eighth in points allowed and seventh in field goal shooting defense. They are on a 16-7 straight up run, but won't be in a good mood after blowing a 22-point third-quarter lead in a 108-107 loss at Sacramento. The Hawks are 10-4 ATS following a spread loss. Portland lacks defense, #26 in points allowed while allowing 38% shooting from long range (#28). Defense was an issue once again for Portland in Thursday's 120-111 loss to Boston. The loss was costly as guard Evan Turner broke a bone in his right hand and will miss up to six weeks of action. The team is also in transition, trading center Mason Plumlee yesterday to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for center Jusuf Nurkic and a first-round draft pick. Atlanta has won four straight meetings, 11 of the last 15, and the Hawks are 9-3 ATS at Portland. Play Atlanta.