A cross-conference battle features the Atlanta Hawks (17-18) hosting the Los Angeles Lakers (14-21) on Friday evening. The Lakers roll into this game ranked eighth in the league in scoring at 115.6 points per game, while Atlanta is 14th with 114.3 points per contest. The Lakers have hit a rough patch, dropping five of their last six games. Likewise, Atlanta has lost three of its last four outings.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET in Atlanta. Caesars Sportsbook lists the Hawks as a 6-point favorite in the latest Lakers vs. Hawks odds, while the over/under for total points is set at 242.5. Before making any Hawks vs. Lakers picks, you'll want to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer model at SportsLine.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past four-plus seasons. The model enters Week 11 of the 2022-23 NBA season on a stunning 33-13 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning almost $1,800. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Lakers vs. Hawks and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several NBA betting lines and trends for Hawks vs. Lakers:
- Lakers vs. Hawks spread: Hawks -6
- Lakers vs. Hawks over/under: 242.5 points
- Lakers vs. Hawks money line: Atlanta -250, Los Angeles +205
- LAL: The Lakers are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a losing straight-up record
- ATL: The Hawks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 Friday games
- Lakers vs. Hawks picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Hawks can cover
Guard Dejounte Murray brings a combination of athleticism and defensive tenacity. Murray quickly jumps into passing lanes and can pile up steals. The Washington product rises above the rim and absorbs contact. Murray logs 20.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game. He's also tied for fourth in the NBA in steals (1.7). On Dec. 23, Murray had 26 points, five assists and four steals.
Forward John Collins is a mobile and energetic high-flyer in the frontcourt. Collins has been a solid low-post scorer and shot-blocker in the paint. The Wake Forest product averages 12.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per contest. He's scored 20 points in back-to-back games. On Dec. 27, Collins logged 26 points and 10 rebounds.
Why the Lakers can cover
Forward LeBron James continues to dominate the game in multiple aspects. James loves to play downhill and attack the lane. He owns the strength to barrel his way to the basket with outstanding court vision to find the open man. The 18-time All-Star is ninth in the NBA in scoring (27.8 ppg) with 8.1 rebounds and 6.6 assists per contest. James has dropped 30-plus points in seven of his last nine games. James (ankle) is listed as questionable for Friday's contest against the Hawks.
Guard Russell Westbrook is a massive boost off the bench. Westbrook plays with relentless energy and penetrates the lane consistently. The nine-time All-Star likes to push the tempo, averaging 14.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game. He's logged at least 15 points in five of his last six games, including two triple-doubles. On Dec. 27 against the Orlando Magic, Westbrook finished with 15 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists.
How to make Hawks vs. Lakers picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Under on the total, projecting 235 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in nearly 60% of simulations. You can only see the model's pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Lakers vs. Hawks? And which side of the spread hits in nearly 60% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its NBA picks, and find out.
