The Portland Trailblazers overall season was better than expected, as Chauncey Billups got the Trailblazers to show improvement from a season ago. Down the stretch to close out the season though, they are struggling with four straight losses by double digits. Expect Atlanta’s pace of play to be the difference as they have one explosive second half quarter and push past the number.

Another defense optional game. Hawks are 8th in pace over the past 10 games, their are 6-0-1 to the over in their last 7 and are averaging 125/G in that span with games averaging 243 points! All 6 of those overs went over by 5+ points. They are 6-3 over in their last 9 at home. Blazers D has been slipping lately and they might be running out of steam. They are 6-3 over in their last 9 on the road, and allowing 12/G has not been uncommon. Blazers are over in 4 of their last 5 overall. Opened 237.5 and waited to see if anyone would dip lower but if they did I missed it.

Shaedon Sharpe has scored at least 22 points in four of his last five games. He logged at least 39 minutes in four of those five games and averaged 18.2 shot attempts. Scoot Henderson (concussion) and Jerami Grant (knee) aren’t expected to play in this game, while Anfernee Simons (forearm) is listed as questionable. This is also a great matchup for Sharpe against the Hawks, who have played at the second-fastest pace in the league. The last time he faced them, Sharpe scored 32 points. Take the over.

This is a huge combo line for Deni Avdija who has been playing great basketball, however this is inflated. It I worth noting that Anfernee Simons is Questionable, however he’s yet to miss a game due to the injury that’s bothering him, in addition his backup Dalano Blanton being a volume scorer. The Hawks are a good matchup but I am fading Avdija at this number regardless of the opponent.