Atlanta Hawks vs Los Angeles Lakers Point Spread Picks

It might not be a coincidence that the Hawks are riding a three-game winning streak, all without Trae Young, who was traded to Washington four days ago. Certainly, the Hawks are better defensively without Young. Atlanta is permitting only 99.3 points a game during its win streak. That is 19 points fewer per game allowed than the Hawks' season average. The Hawks have yet to lose in six games on the West Coast this season. They stand an excellent chance to make it seven West Coast victories in a row. The Lakers have lost and failed to cover in each of their last three games. A road loss to the Spurs can be excused. A home loss to the Bucks wasn't good, and a 124-114 road loss to the Kings as a 9.5-point favorite last night is plain terrible. Luka Doncic played 37 minutes, and LeBron James logged 33 minutes in that loss, too. The status of both players is in question because this is a back-to-back spot for LA. Atlanta ranks fourth in 3-point shooting. The Lakers are 28th in defensive field goal percentage and 26th in three-point defense. Young isn't around anymore to fire 3-pointers, but underrated Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker have become the Hawks' best scorers. Take the Hawks. 

The LA Lakers overcame missing Anthony Davis in a 114-106 win vs. Portland last night. They may be without Davis again tonight as they take the court unrested vs the Atlanta Hawks; LeBron James carried the team with 38 points. The Lakers used their bench a lot last night, knowing they must come right back tonight. The Lakers subs saw 95 total minutes on the floor, so I don't think playing back-to-back will be an issue. The Hawks are currently in 7th place in the East, and if the season ended today, they would be playing in the play-in round. The Hawks are a mediocre team, which will be a tall order. The Lakers have a losing record on the road but have been much better at home, where they are 11-5 on the season. Make the play on the LA Lakers.

Los Angeles has been embarrassed in its past two games in blowout losses at Minnesota and Miami, and it's time for Lebron James and the company to redeem themselves and lessen the humiliation. This is an opportune time to do such that Atlanta has lost eight of 11 against Western Conference opponents, including a 1-4 ATS run. Trae Young is probable for the Hawks while dealing with an Achilles injury. The Lakers have won 15 of 20 games outright against the Eastern Conference. The Hawks come off a big win at Milwaukee on Wednesday, but they are just 4-7 ATS at home this season.  Take the Lakers.

Los Angeles very likely could be without Anthony Davis (eye contusion) and LeBron James (ankle soreness) as it plays host to Atlanta, which routed the Los Angeles Clippers 110-93 on Sunday with Dejounte Murray scoring a team-leading 21 points for the Hawks. The Lakers are just 16-19 ATS at home and they have lost two in a row and four of seven, including 128-121 against Golden State on Saturday when the Warriors shot 53 percent and hit 12 of 34 3-pointers. Los Angeles wasted a 40-point effort by James. The Hawks have covered four of five following a double-digit win and they are 6-1 ATS their past seven games against teams with winning records. Los Angeles is 1-6 ATS its past seven games as a favorite. Both teams are battling for a playoff spot. Take the Hawks ATS and on the moneyline.