Atlanta Hawks vs Chicago Bulls Series Odds, Predictions and Free Picks – 2011 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Betting

2011 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs – Atlanta Hawks vs Chicago Bulls Series Odds, Predictions, Free Picks and Preview: The top-seeded Chicago Bulls expected to be in conference semifinals, but they probably thought they would be facing Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic. Instead, the Bulls will meet an Atlanta Hawks squad that handled the Magic with relative ease. Handling Chicago will be a different story, and the Bulls will look to dispatch the upstart Hawks and continue their quest for a title. The Bulls have been installed as a -925 favorite(odds at SBG Global Sportsbook) to win the series.

Despite winning the most games in the NBA during the regular season, the Bulls biggest weakness was exposed in the opening round of the playoffs. The Indiana Pacers got extremely physical with Chicago, fouling rather than giving up baskets in the paint. The style of play seemed to rattle the Bulls for the first four games, but they were finally able to match Indiana’s physical intensity in Game 5.

Unfortunately for the Hawks, physical basketball isn’t exactly their strength. Atlanta runs more of a finesse motion offense, and while they like to slow the pace down, they don’t try to beat teams into submission on the defensive end. The Hawks aren’t the type of team to play ugly, and that works in favor of Chicago. The Bulls half court defense is among the best in the league as well, Atlanta is going to have to make a lot of jumpshots in order to have a chance in the series.

During the regular season, the Bulls won two out of three games, which all took place within a month of each other. Atlanta had a three-point home win, while the Bulls won at home and on the road in blowout fashion, including a 33-point runaway. The Bulls defense left a lasting impression during the three games, holding Atlanta to an average of just 80 points.  

In terms of individual matchups, the Bulls have an obvious edge at the point guard position. The soon to be MVP Derrick Rose should have his way with a hobbled Kirk Hinrich. That being said, Howard had his way with the Hawks post players, but Orlando didn’t win the series. The difference this time is that the Bulls have other players that can step up, particularly Luol Deng. He torched the Hawks during the regular season, and he looked next to unguardable at times in the first round. 

Atlanta’s big advantage is going to be Al Horford. He is one of the most versatile big men in the league, and with Carlos Boozer dealing with turf toe, Horford is going to have to be the center of the Hawks offense. In Atlanta’s lone win against Chicago this season, he had 31 points and 16 rebounds. Jamal Crawford can help as well. He is one of the most productive bench scorers in the league, and his presence alone gives Atlanta the advantage in the category.

In the end, the Hawks just don’t matchup well against Chicago. The strength of the Bulls is Rose and their defense, and Atlanta struggles defending the point and runs a motion-based offense that Chicago is excellent at defending. With Atlanta’s offense in trouble, the only chance the Hawks have is to shutdown the Bulls. However, the Hawks aren’t physical enough to intimidate the Bulls and disrupt Rose the way Indiana did. Atlanta might steal a game, but the Bulls will take advantage of this favorable matchup.

Prediction: Chicago Bulls Win in 5 Games

NBA Playoffs Series Odds
Chicago Bulls vs Atlanta Hawks
Chicago Bulls -925
Atlanta Hawks +645