by Rod Pearson
Thursday, Jan 05, 2023
Game Time: 10:30 pm ET, Friday, January 6, 2023
Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Where to Watch: Sportsnet LA
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Point Spread: Hawks -0.5, Lakers +0.5; Over/Under: 234.5 points
Bet365: Point Spread: Hawks -0.5, Lakers +0.5; Over/Under: 234.5 points
BetMGM: Point Spread: Hawks -0.5, Lakers +0.5; Over/Under: 234.5 points
Season Record
Atlanta Hawks: 18-20 (2nd place, Southeast Division)
Los Angeles Lakers: 17-21 (5th place, Pacific Division)
Do not miss out on our expert handicapper analysis! Jack Banks is on a HOT STREAK in NBA: 45-29 and 79-46 Runs! Make sure you check out his picks and many more from the expert handicappers featured in the Shop Picks section.
Recent Form
Atlanta Hawks: 4-6 last 10
Los Angeles Lakers: 5-5 last 10
Atlanta Hawks vs Los Angeles Lakers Preview and Analysis
The Hawks are coming into this game with an 18-20 record overall and they are 7-12 in their road games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game off of a win against the Sacramento Kings in their last game. John Collins and De'Andre Hunter each led the team in points in that game with 22 while Dejounte Murray and Trae Young each were next on the team with 21 points. Trae Young led the team in assists in that game with 6 while John Collins led the team in rebounds with 12. They were 53.6% from the field, 33.3% from 3-point range, and 90.9% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 115.4 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 116.3 PPG against them. The Hawks have an ATS record of 15-22-1 this season and their O/U record is 22-16.
The Lakers are coming into this game with a 17-21 record overall and they are 9-8 in their home games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game on a 3 game winning streak with wins coming against the Atlanta Hawks, the Charlotte Hornets, and the Miami Heat in their last game. Dennis Schröder led the team in points in that game with 32 while Thomas Bryant and Russell Westbrook each were next on the team with 21 points. Russell Westbrook led the team in assists in that game with 9 while Thomas Bryant led the team in rebounds with 9. They were 49.4% from the field, 29.6% from 3-point range, and 80% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 116 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 117.4 PPG against them. The Lakers have an ATS record of 16-22 this season and their O/U record is 22-16.
Hawks vs Lakers Prediction
The current betting odds have the Lakers listed as a 0.5 underdog in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. The Lakers haven't been a very good team this year with a record below .500 and they haven't even been that great at home either with a 9-8 record there, but they are starting to get hot in their games lately and have some momentum coming into this one. They have won 3 games in a row now and even though they haven't been great at home this year, they still have a home advantage in this game. The Hawks haven't been playing any better this season either as they have been struggling to win their games. They are also sitting with a record below .500 and they have been a terrible road team all year with a 7-12 road record, winning most of their games at home this season. The Lakers have also been dealing with a lot of injuries this season but they have been playing a lot better than the Hawks have been playing lately and since this game is so close with the spread, the Hawks just can't be trusted on the road where they have been terrible all season. The best way to place a bet here is on the Lakers to cover the spread in this game.
Hawks Lakers Prediction: Our NBA Pick for Friday, January 6, 2023 (10:30 pm ET start time) is Lakers 112 Hawks 108.
Don't miss our champion handicappers free picks and expert basketball picks today. And if you enjoyed this Atlanta Hawks Los Angeles Lakers prediction, be sure to drop by every day for our weekly NBA predictions and previews.
NBA Betting Trends
Atlanta Hawks: 24-15 ATS revenging a home loss vs opponent. 13-6 OVER in road games. 11-5 OVER after 1 or more consecutive unders.
Los Angeles Lakers: 17-34 ATS off a home win. 6-17 ATS after 3 or more consecutive wins. 57-34 OVER off a close home win by 3 points or less.
Key Injuries
Atlanta Hawks: C. Capela (C) Out indefinitely - Calf.
Los Angeles Lakers: L. James (SF) Ques Fri - Ankle. L. Walker IV (SG) Ques Fri - Tailbone. C. Swider (PF) Mid Jan - Foot. A. Davis (PF) Mid Jan - Foot.
Notable Quotes
“Feels great. That’s what we have been talking about. We have to close out games and make plays down the stretch.” - Nate McMillan after his team’s win against the Kings in their game on Wednesday.
“Everybody just banded together and continued to fight, and that’s what we have to be about. That’s what our identity has to be.” - Darvin Ham after his team’s win against the Heat in their game on Wednesday.
Starting Lineups
Atlanta Hawks
PG Trae Young
SG Dejounte Murray
SF De'Andre Hunter
PF John Collins
C Onyeka Okongwu
Los Angeles Lakers
PG Dennis Schroder
SG Patrick Beverley
SF Troy Brown Jr.
PF LeBron James
C Thomas Bryant
Statistical Leaders
Atlanta Hawks
PPG: T. Young (27.3)
APG: T. Young (9.9)
Reb/G: C. Capela (11.9)
Los Angeles Lakers
PPG: L. James (29)
APG: R. Westbrook (7.7)
Reb/G: A. Davis (12.1)
Coaches:
Atlanta Hawks: Nate McMillan (4th season)
Los Angeles Lakers: Darvin Ham (1st season)
Rod Pearson
About the Author:
Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life. He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years. In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective. Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.
