[tinfw17]

CHARLOTTE BOBCATS(+2) over Atlanta Hawks
4* #502 CHARLOTTE over ATLANTA

The NBA schedule maker threw an early haymaker at the Atlanta Hawks, and we believe this is the spot in which they go woozy on the ropes and have to take a standing eight count. The Hawks had to take a rare early-season Western swing this week, and it was not set up well on either end. After a home win over Washington on Friday night there was little down time before facing the Lakers in L.A. on Sunday, the start of a ?3 in 4? cycle. But instead of the usual extra day off when traveling from West to East, and also the usual assignment of a home game on the return, they are instead forced to play on the road again, something that is most rare in this league. It means tired legs and a difficult time putting a game plan together, and there is also the distraction of a home showdown vs. Denver tomorrow night. That makes this a true danger zone for Mike Woodson and his team, and it is exacerbated by being in against an opponent that can be a trap in this setting, especially with Larry Brown having three full days to put a game plan together. As always, anything about Charlotte starts with Brown. Although the pieces on the court are not dynamic the Bobcats are playing superb fundamental basketball ? despite road games at Boston and Cleveland representing half of their schedule so far, they show up #2 on our best defensive charts through the first week of play; #2 in rebounding; and they have attempted 116 free throws, while only allowing their opponents to get to the line 69 times. And most of this has been working short-handed. Brown finally got Raja Bell back on the court in Monday?s win over New Jersey, and with Flip Murray ready to go tonight it means all hands on deck for the first time. That brings an energy that the Hawks will find difficult to match, and tactic preparation that will lead to major frustrations for the visitors.