Dallas at Atlanta

Dallas got smacked around in the last two games by a pair of top-five teams in the Eastern Conference. They catch a break, stepping down to face an Atlanta squad that is two games over .500 and has a losing home record. Three games ago, Dallas was a +8 dog at Orlando but lost by one point, 115-114. Atlanta's defense is 21st in points surrendered (117.3 ppg) and in shooting allowed (47.3%), while the offense is 20th from the line (77.6%). Dallas has won four straight against the Hawks, so back the big dog in a close one. Play Dallas.