Welcome to my NBA picks series. Let's talk about the Hawks vs Lakers game, by analyzing both teams recent performance and predict the score!
Hawks
The Hawks return home this Monday, after having lost three games on the road. They do not face an easy foe, in this Lakers team, that has been playing well recently. This has not been the best season for Atlanta, having won just 18 games thus far. Their last game, against Indiana, they were cringe worthy, they never led and had over ten turnovers just in the first half. They will probably play without TDeAndre Bembry, Tyler Cavanaugh, Antonius Cleveland, Malcolm Delaney, so by all accounts, this will be a tough game for them.
Lakers
Confession time folks. I really like where this Lakers team is going and I like their current roster. They have made a good trade with Cleveland, cleared some cap space and have gotten Thomas for the rest of this season. At the moment, they play good basketball, they have won the last two games and are 6/4 in their last 10 games. Recently, Lonzo Ball has returned, but he plays on a minute restriction. In his absence, Brandon Ingram has been doing a great job leading the offense, a thing Lavar Ball should keep in mind when running his mouth. Almost everyone is expendable, Lonzo Ball included. I believe he has a great future in the NBA if he plays his cards right. All in all I believe the Lakers will finish strong this season, especially as Thomas keeps improving. The Cavs never gave him a chance, a decision they might regret this post season.
Stats
The Lakers have one of the worst defenses in the league, allowing on average around 110 points per game. They have however a better than average offense and are an exceptionally good rebounding team as well as posting a high number of assists each game. Since the addition of Isaiah Thomas, their offense has gotten even better, but their already poor defense is even worse. They have allowed 123, 117, 111, 102, 108 points in their last five games. The Hawks are one of the worst teams in the league right now, they have a terrible win/loss record and they are probably tanking this season. It's perhaps their best chance of getting a good again, in a few years. Pound per pound, I believe the Lakers are a much better team.
Prediction
Vegas gives a slight advantage to the visiting team in this one and I believe they are somewhat correct. Not only The Hawks are the Hawks the weaker team, they are in a skid right now and are also missing some players for tonight. Conversely the Lakers have been playing well, they have Lonzo back and Isaiah is getting integrated into their rotation. In their previous meeting this season, at the Staples Center, The Hawks got blown out by like twenty points. I believe the Lakers will extend their winning streak here, winning the second consecutive game on the road, by a margin of about 5-10 points.
Point Spread, Lakers -2.5 at 1.91 odds
This is all for today folks, I wish you good luck! Remember to bet responsively.