NBA playoffs: struggling Hawks enter must-win game 4 as favourites

Atlanta Hawks will be desperate for a win to avoid a 3-1 deficit in their Eastern Conference semi-final against Washington, when they meet the Wizards on Monday night as 4.5-point road favourites in NBA betting at Coral.

The Hawks overcame a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit to draw even with Washington in the dying seconds of Game 3 on Saturday, but were unable to close the deal as veteran Paul Pierce sealed the Wizards 103-101 win with a 21-footer as time expired.

With their loss in Game 3, Atlanta suddenly find themselves in a must-win situation in their subsequent showdown with Washington at Verizon Center. However, the Hawks will have to overcome their recent road woes to advance to their first-ever Conference final.

Atlanta are now just 1-5 SU in their last six on the road, 1-4-1 ATS. Indeed, since claiming SU victory in 17 of their first 22 road contests this season, the Hawks are a middling 9-14 SU, 7-15-1 ATS.

The Hawks have also been a brutal bet on the road, particularly as favourites, going 1-5-1 ATS in their last seven while pegged as road favourites.

The Wizards continue to get the job done, despite being without the services of PG John Wall, who remains sidelined with hand and wrist injuries. Saturday’s win improved Washington to 6-1 SU during this post-season, and an impressive 11-3-1 ATS in their last 14 outings.

Washington have also been putting points on the board of late, after sitting well back of the offensive leaders for most of the season. The Wizards have eclipsed the century mark in seven of their last 10 contests, picking up SU wins in six of those seven contests and rewarding punters loyal to the OVER, which is 8-2 in the team’s last 10.

Not surprisingly, the point total for Game 4 is on the rise, currently set at 199 at NBA Playoffs betting at Coral.