The Picksix: Hawks set to snap slump

Atlanta over CHARLOTTE (-2.5) -- The Hawks have lost three straight, but those losses have come to New Orleans, Boston and Golden State, likely three of the league's top ten teams. The suddenly-hot 'Cats won't cause the same sort of problems.

Seattle over PHILADELPHIA (-11.5) -- Too many points to give with a team in its first game back from a trip to the opposite coast.

Washington over TORONTO (-3.5) -- The likelihood of no Chris Bosh means no love for the Raptors giving points.

Detroit (-8.5) over NEW YORK -- The Pistons will do their part to avenge a 25-point loss at the Garden back in January.

Golden State (-3.5) over MIAMI -- The Warriors are a lot better than the Heat are.

BOSTON (-10.5) over Chicago -- The Celts saw what the Bulls did to Bron's Cavs last night and will be hungry to avoid the same fate and a letdown after a huge win over the Pistons on Wednesday.

NEW ORLEANS (-11.5) over New Jersey -- The Nets are coming off a loss to a Memphis team that struggles to get within 15 points of its opponents with any regularity. Chris Paul will give Devin Harris a clinic.

MILWAUKEE (-1.5) over Portland -- Label us unmoved by the Blazers' 9-21 road record.

Utah over PHOENIX (-3.5) -- The Suns are just 3-5 since Shaq's arrival. Deron Williams is playing at an extraordinarily high level right now. We'll take the points.

SACRAMENTO (-7.5) over Minnesota -- The Wolves haven't even been competing as of late.

San Antonio over DENVER (-0.5) -- The Spurs are doing it once more: They took a flyer on the first three months of the season and have since made a clear decision to crank it up. They have won 11 straight and are showing no signs of slowing down.

LA LAKERS (-15.5) over LA Clippers -- We really don't have the audacity to pick against the Kobe right now. Yes, the Kobe. And his new and improved friends.

Last night: 1-2
Season: 467-444