Atlanta at Los Angeles

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.