Atlanta Hawks vs LA Lakers: Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds (1/6/23)

It wasn’t too long ago when both of these teams were playoff contenders, now both struggling and on pace for the play-in tournament. The Hawks offensive production has fallen off a cliff after some questionable trades while the Lakers have dealt with injuries all season long to their best players. Not all hope is lost after the Lakers proved to be competitive against the Heat without LeBron and Anthony Davis. Who will get their season back on track with a win?

Atlanta Hawks vs LA Lakers Betting Odds

Oddsmakers slightly lean towards the Hawks, opening them as a -1 favorite. Bettors are in agreement, backing Atlanta up to as high as -2.5. This causes some confusion as the Lakers injury report is indicating that they are getting LeBron back into the lineup which would provide an immediate boost to their production. Especially since the Hawks may not be able to take advantage of their poor defense with ice cold perimeter shooting.

As for the total, points are expected to be scored in a flash as oddsmakers opened the total at 234.5. Bettors were quick to pounce the over, hammering it up to as high as 242.5. This is heavily correlated to the Lakers injury report, getting their leading scorers back in LeBron and Russell Westbrook running the show as the league leading sixth man. While this number has climbed way too high for two mediocre offenses, this is still a stay away with so many question marks still needing to be answered.

Atlanta Hawks vs LA Lakers Prediction

The Pick: Pass, too much uncertainty

With that said, this will be a pass for me as of writing. While the number is indicating that LeBron James is returning, they are still missing key pieces to their production while others are currently questionable. They lack enough depth as it is, solely relying on Russell Westbrook to lift them in bench minutes. Even then he has been a roller coaster or production, lacking any sort of consistency with a horrific jump shot.

Should we get more confirmation on who is available, and the number continues to climb, I will be looking to take the under for a small investment. Both offensive units’ productions have been the bane of their existence this season, especially from the perimeter. With neither unit being able to convert from the perimeter at a consistent rate, this calls for a lot of interior offense and prolonged possessions which plays right into our under tickets hands.

This has been especially head scratching on the Hawks end, a unit that was as efficient as it got last season in perimeter shooting. Basing their offense to a more modern style of play, burning opposing offenses with a blend of three-point shooting and Trae Young’s drives to the basket when the interior defense was spread thin. They have yet to gel together this season, forcing low quality looks from deep that have equated to scoring lulls.

Betting Trends

• Hawks are 14-29 ATS in their last 43 road games
• Under is 4-0 in Lakers last four games following an ATS win
• Hawks are 5-11 ATS in the last 16 meetings at Los Angeles

Key Matchups

Can the Hawks contain the potential return of LeBron James?

LeBron James vs Hawks interior defense

Should he be good to go, LeBron will be an immediate boost for the Lakers as he still produces at an elite rate. His production will be called upon more than ever as they are still without Anthony Davis and missing Lonnie Walker and Austin Reaves as well. Two secondary scorers.

The Hawks interior will be weak, playing without big man Clint Capela. While Collins has the length and athleticism to keep pace, he lacks the strength to limit LeBron’s drives over the course of a full game.

Verdict

With too many question marks needing to be answered for my liking, this game is a pass for me at the moment. I will look at the under if it continues to tick up after lineup verification.

Atlanta Hawks Starting Lineup

PG: Trae Young
SG: Dejounte Murray
SF: De’Andre Hunter
PF: John Collins
C: Onyeka Okongwu

LA Lakers Starting Lineups

PG: Dennis Schroder
SG: Patrick Beverley
SF: Troy Brown Jr
PF: LeBron James
C: Thomas Bryant

Key Injuries

Atlanta Hawks Injuries: Clint Capela (D)

LA Lakers Injuries: Austin Reaves (O), Troy Brown Jr (Q), Damian Jones (Q), Russell Westbrook (P), LeBron James (P), Lonnie Walker IV (O)