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Jeremy Perry
Atlanta Hawks vs. Los Angeles Lakers Prediction, NBA Odds
The Atlanta Hawks finally snapped a four-game losing skid by taking down the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. However, this is a team that has still lost 10 out of their last 15 games coming and now face a Los Angeles Lakers squad that has been able to build a minor rhythm lately.
The Lakers, who started the year so poorly, have won three straight games and four out of their past five with one of the wins come against the Hawks. They won that meeting by nine points; can they do it again?
Atlanta is a 2.5-point favourite to win on the NBA odds.
Hawks vs. Lakers NBA Betting Odds
The Hawks are currently 4-1 ATS in their last five games played on a Friday but are just 16-35 ATS in their last 51 games played on the road against a team with a straight up winning home record. As for the total, the over has hit in all five of their recent games against an opponent with a losing overall record this season.
Meanwhile, the Lakers are 11-2 ATS in their past 13 games when going up against a team with a losing record. They are also 4-1 ATS in their previous five games overall. As for their total, the over has hit in four of their last five against a team with a losing straight-up record.
Atlanta Hawks
There’s been an awful lot of controversy surrounding the Hawks this season. Trae Young isn’t shooting the ball very well, John Collins is once again hearing his name in trade talks and head coach Nate McMillan has reportedly considered stepping down. Through all of this, Atlanta sits just two games under .500 on the season. Much of this is due to the talent that they have on the roster.
Even though his efficiency isn’t the best, Young is still averaging 27.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 9.9 assists per contest. Newly added backcourt mate Dejounte Murray is helping out with 20.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. This team was expected to be better and it’s clear they have the talent to be. There are imminent chemistry and coaching concerns, though, which is why they’re lagging in the standings.
Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles has been an inconsistent team all season long. At the beginning of the year, there were injuries, Russell Westbrook’s role was a question mark and nobody knew if they had the depth. They’ve steadied the ship of late and have won four out of their last five coming into this contest. That includes a victory against Atlanta.
One thing that’s going to give them the advantage here is their mismatches. LeBron James is a mismatch for John Collins or whoever else the Hawks throw at him. He ripped them for 47 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists last Friday. This could be another one of those games where LeBron will be tasked with carrying the offensive load without Anthony Davis available.
ATL
LAL