Hawks vs Pacers Game 2 Pick

Atlanta Hawks vs. Indiana Pacers

Game 2

Tuesday, 7:00 pm EST

April 22, 2014

Line: Indiana Pacers -7

The downward spiral, starring Paul George, Roy Hibbert and David West, or in other words, the Indiana Pacers season, continued with a no-show performance against the Atlanta Hawks in Game 1 of the opening round of the playoffs.

The Pacers were coming off a statement win versus the Oklahoma City Thunder. They were not only playing in front of their home. This is supposed to be the year they play for the Larry O’Brien trophy.

The Hawks have other ideas.

If I were to go ahead and call Game 2 a must win for the Pacers, it might be foolish to you, but given the current state of the team, the Pacers can ill-afford to find themselves in in an 0-2 deficit – even if they’re opponent is the Atlanta Hawks.

Having won five of their last six games dating back to the regular season, the Hawks find themselves in a great position to put a stranglehold on the series. Being up 2-0, would mean the Hawks would be two wins away from becoming just the third No. 8 seed in NBA history to defeat a No. 1 seed in the first round of the playoffs. Shooting 46.4 percent from the field in their last five games, the Hawks have dominated the Pacers as of late. Beating the Pacers three of the last five times they’ve played this season has been no fluke. The Hawks have their number, and that should be a major concern.

However, if there was ever a time that the Pacers got a wake-up call, Game 1 was it.

I thought this team was loaded with talent. I thought Paul George was a superstar. He still has ways to go. I thought two-time All-Star Roy Hibbert was becoming one of the most dominating centers in the league. Has anyone seen him play recently? But I never thought the Pacers had a chance to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. That title still belongs to the Miami Heat.

On paper, this series is a complete mismatch. And while the Pacers were expected to win Game 1, they’ll have the same expectations for Game 2.

I’m not telling you to bet the Hawks because I believe they’re the better team. I’m telling you to bet the Hawks because I just can’t advise anyone to bet on the Pacers. Maybe eventually down the road, but certainly not now.

My Pick: Atlanta Hawks +7