The Chicago Bulls look to even up the series tonight, Wednesday May 4th, as they host the Atlanta Hawks in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals. The Hawks lead the best of seven series 1-0 and have won three of their last five over the Bulls. NBA oddsmakers have the Bulls as -8.5 point home favourites over the Hawks with the over/under set at 179.5 points. Be sure to check the Hawks vs Bulls NBA Point Spreads and get your predictions in early.
Atlanta (5-1, 2-2 V) shocked the Bulls in Game 1 winning 103-95, in Chicago. Joe Johnson scored 34 points and was brilliant, hitting 12 of 18 shots and all five 3-point attempts. Crawford scored 22 points, and Jeff Teague added 10 while starting at the point for the injured Kirk Hinrich and wound up getting the game ball from coach Larry Drew. They shot 51.3 percent against one of the league's stingiest defenses and take a series opener. "We've gotten to the second round in the past and pretty much gotten embarrassed," Johnson said. "It was a sense of pride and a sense of urgency that we had last night. We're going to continue to try to play with the energy and intensity we had in Game One, we're going to bring it to Game Two." They're also bracing for more from Rose. "I'm sure he's going to come out with a lot more aggression," Johnson said. "We're going to be prepared for it, we're going to try to do whatever it takes to just kind of slow down. It's going to be tough." The Hawks have averaged 87.8ppg in their last five and have allowed 89.2ppg.
Chicago (4-2, 2-1 H) not only lost at home, they got a scare when Derrick Rose came up limping after he turned his left ankle at the end of the game. Their MVP candidate stepped on Jamal Crawford's foot as he dribbled out the final seconds and was helped off by teammates and a trainer. "I should be OK," Rose said. "I'll probably get treatment right now, go home, get some more treatment and be ready to go tonight." Rose scored 24 points, but he was just 11 of 27 from the field and did not attempt a free throw. Luol Deng scored 21 points for Chicago while Carlos Boozer added 14 points and eight rebounds despite a turf toe injury on his right foot. But it was a rough night overall for the Bulls — particularly on defense. The Bulls have given up an average 91ppg in their last five while averaging 95.8ppg.
Recent Trends to Consider:
Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Chicago.
Over is 9-3 in the last 12 meetings.
Hawks are 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.
Hawks are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a S.U. win.
Hawks are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600.
Hawks are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
Hawks are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog.
Bulls are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 home games.
Bulls are 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 playoff games as a favorite.
Hawks vs Bulls
When: Wednesday, May 04, 8:00 PM ET
Pick: Bulls -8.5
Point-Spreads.com recommends you check out NBA Point Spreads before Hawks vs Bulls game.
The Bottom Line: The Bulls should win, but the Hawks can easily cover. Be sure to check Hawks vs Bulls Basketball Point Spreads and get your predictions in early.
