The Los Angeles Lakers are riding a three-game win streak as they host the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night. While the Hawks may seem like a much tougher opponent for LA, based on the results this season, they might not be.
The Hawks, like the Lakers, have been pretty disappointing this season. After making the Eastern Conference Finals last season Atlanta has not been able to put much together this season. Entering this game, the Hawks are 16-20 and are on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoff picture.
Both teams are hoping that they could use this game as a launching pad for some momentum to start playing up to their potential. Vegas certainly favors the Lakers to continue their winning ways against Atlanta.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Hawks betting odds, spread, over/under:
The Los Angeles Lakers enter this game as three-point favorites over the Hawks. Someone who has not been keeping up with Atlanta this season probably would have guessed that the Hawks would be favored. However, when two disappointing teams square off, it is the home team that gets the points.
This makes the Lakers a -155 moneyline favorite while the Hawks are a +127 moneyline underdog. The over/under for this game has been set at 229.5 points.
Trae Young and several other Hawks players are listed as questionable in this game. However, Young appears available to play and John Collins could return. Our pick will be made under the assumption that these two play.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Hawks prediction:
While the Lakers have won three in a row and four of their last five, I do not like their chances against the Atlanta Hawks. If both Young and Collins play in this game then the Hawks just have too much offensive firepower for the Lakers to overcome.
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The Lakers have been competitive in these games with LeBron James playing at an insane level. While he probably will continue that streak in this game, the Hawks, even though they are disappointing, are still a talented basketball team.
Most importantly, the Lakers’ perimeter defense has been awful this season and Trae Young is on a heater. This has all the makings of being a really high-scoring game and I like the Hawks and their weapons to come through slightly more than the Lakers.
I am taking Hawks +3 and over 229.5 points with a final score prediction of Hawks 121, Lakers 116.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Hawks TV channel:
Local fans can still watch the game on Spectrum SportsNet but this is a nationally televised game that will be aired on ESPN as well. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Pacific.
Los Angeles Lakers schedule and upcoming games:
The Los Angeles Lakers have one more game at home as they host the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday before they embark on a small road trip.
Following the Grizzlies game, the Lakers will be on the road for two games. They take on the Sacramento Kings next Tuesday and then the Denver Nuggets next Friday.