Lakers vs. Hawks Prediction and Odds (Trae Young, Atlanta Positioned to Smack L.A.)
The LeBron-less Lakers stumble into the ATL looking to snap a two-game losing streak and end a long road trip with much-needed win. That won't come easy with LeBron James sidelined with a sore knee, Anthony Davis questionable and the Hawks streaking at home.
The Hawks, meanwhile, ride a six-game winning streak with five of those wins happening at home. They're healthy and starting to click after a disappointing start. Will that continue against the Russell Westbrook-led Lakers?
Let's get into it with odds coming from WynnBET Sportsbook.
Lakers vs Hawks Odds, Spread and Total
Spread
- Lakers +7.5 (-110)
- Hawks -7.5 (-110)
Moneyline:
- Lakers +260
- Hawks -320
Total:
- Total 225.5 (Over -110/Under -110)
Lakers vs Hawks Prediction and Pick
The Lakers are 3-10 straight up as road underdogs this season while Atlanta is 11-10 ATS as home favorites. However, the Hawks have covered in five straight home games and have covered in all six of their recent wins. When the Hawks are hot they tend to cover (they covered in seven straight during their seven-game winning streak in November), so I'm leaning on them to do the same here.
Without LeBron James and possibly Anthony Davis, the Lakers already-porous defense (26th ranked in NBA in opponents' points per game: 112.3) will be even more open to assault, especially in the middle. That's where Trae Young shines. I expect him to go off on the Lakers, even more if Davis is out.
While the over/under is interesting, I have no idea if the Lakers are even going to show up for this early afternoon game. So I'm going to side with the hot team playing at home against a limping opponent just looking to get home.
I'll be laying the points.
LEAN: Hawks -6.5