Hawks -7 in Chicago, and the market keeps moving toward Atlanta

The Hawks are -7 in Chicago, and the market gives Atlanta a 71% chance with the margin removed. That's a number bettors have to respect, even if it doesn't clear the bar for a pick. The Bulls are 1-9 and riding an 8-game losing streak. The Hawks are 7-5 and 4-2 on the road. The price says this is Atlanta's game to lose.

The case for Chicago starts with the head-to-head. The Bulls have won all 3 recent meetings, including a 128-123 win on Oct 27 and a 152-150 shootout in December. They're 4-4 against the spread despite the 1-9 record, and the over has hit in 5 of their 8 games with a 128.8 points allowed average that keeps totals alive. If you're backing the home side, you're betting on the rivalry trend and a Bulls team that has stayed competitive at the window even while losing outright.

The case for Atlanta is the record and the road form. The Hawks score 118.3 per game and are 4-2 away from home. They've won 5 of their last 10 and they're 5-3 on the over. The market has already moved the spread from -6.5 to -7 and the moneyline from +220 to +236 on Chicago, so the sharp side is clearly Atlanta. The Bulls are 0-8 on the moneyline, and that's the number that matters most.

The total has climbed from 244 to 246.5. Best prices: Chicago +245 on the moneyline at Everygame, Atlanta -285 at Bovada. On the spread, Chicago +7 (-107) at BetOnline.ag and Atlanta -7 (-110) at BetAnything. On the total, over 246.5 at -105 at BetOnline.ag and under at -110 at BetAnything.

GODDS has no pick on this game. No side reaches 70% in the model. If you have a read, the best number is waiting for you.