[dojo]

Ben Burns' #1 ESPN NBA Game Of The Year *8:00 ET! *HUGE*

808 ATL -3.0 (-110) vs 807 BOS

Analysis: I'm laying the small number with ATLANTA. Some may feel that the Celtics will be the more motivated team here, due to the fact that the Hawks beat them at Boston last month, back in mid-November. However, I expect the Hawks to be every bit as "hungry."

Keep in mind that the Hawks are trying hard to break into the upper echelon of teams in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics, Magic and Cavaliers remain firmly established as "The Big Three" in the East. The Hawks believe they belong in that group and badly want to earn the respect that they feel that they deserve. A win over the Celts on National TV (ESPN) would help in the standings and will go a long way to earning some of that respect. The fact that the Cavs beat them here recently (and again at Clev) should serve to make them even that much more motivated. That was a "statement" game and so is this one.

Speaking of the "Big Three," of course, it should also be mentioned that the Celts will still be without Kevin Garnett for this game.

As for the Celtics getting their "revenge," let's not forget that they're just 3-5 ATS the last eight times they tried to avenge an earlier loss. That includes a 1-2 SU/ATS mark when trying to avenge a home loss. Also, with these teams playing again at Boston in a few days (on 1/11) the Celts know they'll still get a chance for some payback, no matter what happens here. Armed with the same knowledge, the Hawks know they need this one - as winning at Boston twice in a row will be tough.

Admittedly, the Celts are tough (14-4 SU and 9-9 ATS) on the road. However, the Hawks home record (13-4 SU and 12-5 ATS) is every bit as good.

The Hawks recently had a "players-only meeting" and responded with a 30-point win in their last game. I expect them to build off that effort, improving to 11-6 SU/ATS when coming off a double-digit win and making a "statement" that they belong among the best teams in the East. *10

[johnnyra21]

How many GOY does Ben Burns have every week?

[Joey10]

Love the Line -3 I did not see anything less then -3.5 since 10 am when did he post last night?

[chase1]

Everyone jump on it this is his "ESPN" NBA GOY!! Wow...next week you don't want to miss his "TNT" GOY.

FYI, 0-2 on GOY's this week. Lost Bowl GOY and Bowl TOY.

[PhatBaztard]

How many GOY does Ben Burns have every week?

at least 7

[BettMidler]

Love the Line -3 I did not see anything less then -3.5 since 10 am when did he post last night?

It opened at -2 yesterday and Im on the Celts

[og4667]

atl rolls.

[Skyline]

This guy sucks...

[ramos94583]

wow....fade his nba i guess......when the punters hit, jus call him darth fader

[ramos94583]

my bad, was following the SBR score, and when it refreshed, it showed the stl rolling......not watching the game, nor did i play this

[Durden]

Players only meeting worked against the Nets. Celtics win straight up, watch.

Tell me when to stop watching...I aint seen what u talkin bout yet

[Delgado]

How is Ben doing with all his GOYs this year?

[RichRob]

How is Ben doing with all his GOYs this year?

after tonight 1-2. lost the his bowl total of the year and bowl game of the year. if that helps