Washington at Atlanta

Washington continues to surge with confidence and wins, riding a three-game win streak. This team has excellent balance with a pair of young shooters in Beal and Wall, plus a slew of role players who crash the glass. Washington is fourth in the NBA in points allowed, fourth in assists, and 10th in field goal shooting defense. Washington opened up a 17-point lead after one quarter Friday and cruised to a 102-86 home win over Chicago. The Wizards are 5-1 ATS playing on one days rest and 9-3-1 ATS on the road against a team with a winning home record. They are also on an 8-3 run UNDER the total with that improved defense, including 18-7-1 UNDER on one days rest. Atlanta is in a tough situational spot, home after playing four of five on the road. The Hawks have been impressive on defense, too, fifth in the league in points allowed, plus sixth in field goal shooting defense. Atlanta is 23-9 UNDER the total on one day of rest. When these foes meet, the Wizards are 6-2-2 ATS, including 3-0-1 here in Atlanta. The dog is also 4-0 ATS, so look for a defensive game between two of the top three teams in the East. Play Washington and the game UNDER the total.