5* HAWKS/MAGIC NBA SOUTHEAST BLUE CHIP TOP PLAY

Atlanta vs. Orlando, 12/12/2012 19:00 EDT, Score: 86 - 80

Point Spread: -5/-105 Atlanta

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Win

5* HAWKS/MAGIC NBA SOUTHEAST BLUE CHIP TOP PLAY: Hawks -5

The Hawks are showing some great value as a small road favorite against the Magic. Atlanta has won 12 of the last 14 matchups between these two teams, including 6 of 7 in Orlando.

A lot of people don't realize just how well Atlanta has been playing this season. They are a solid 12-6 and a respectable 5-3 on the road. Orlando has over-achieved to this point and yet are still just 8-12 overall and 4-5 at home.

I look for the Hawks to be extremely motivated off a division loss to Miami on Monday, as they don't want to lose two straight inside the Southeast. Only once all season has Atlanta suffered back-to-back losses, and that came against two elite teams in the Heat and Clippers.

A lot of people are going to look at the Magic coming into this game with 2 days rest and expect an inspired performance out of the home team, but they just got done playing a five-game road trip on the West Coast.

Atlanta is a great team to back on the road when they are playing well. The Hawks are 13-4 ATS in road game after having won 3 of 4 over the last two seasons! BET THE HAWKS!