Chicago at Atlanta

The Chicago Bulls got a wake-up call in game one of their series with the Hawks. As an 8.5 point favorite, the Bulls lost outright by 8 points. The Giant has awakened as Chicago answered that call with a 13-point win and then a 17-point win. It's clear that when Derek Rose is on (which is most of the time), the Bulls are a much better team than the Hawks. Atlanta has played very good defense in the playoffs. The problem for them is their offense. Atlanta has managed just 86.6 per game in the post-season and have gotten really just two good offensive performances (one vs. Orlando and one vs. Chicago). That's not going to cut it. This figures to be a hard-fought contest, but I like Chicago to come out ahead. The Bulls own a better road record than Atlanta had at home this season. Since last season, Chicago is 30-10 in games after they gave up 85 or fewer points last game. Atlanta is just 6-19 the past two seasons revenging a home loss. They are also 5-14 over the past three seasons coming off a double-digit home loss. Take Chicago to win this game outright. I also like the UNDER. Atlanta's offense has disappeared as the competition has heated up. In the playoffs, outside of their two good offensive efforts (103 vs. Orlando and 103 vs. Chicago), the Hawks are averaging only 81.9 points per game! Chicago's defense has been great in the playoffs (88.6 per game) and on the season this team is 52-38 UNDER (24-13 vs. winning teams). Atlanta is 27-18 UNDER at home this season. They are also 30-15 UNDER vs. winning teams this season. Take Chicago and the UNDER here.