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In the first game to tip-off on Saturday, the Atlanta Hawks will head out west to play the Los Angeles Lakers at 3:30 p.m. ET. The last time these two teams played, the Lakers defeated the Hawks 107-99 on February 1.
The Hawks are coming into this game on a seven-game winning streak. Atlanta defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-93 on Thursday. During their current win streak, the Hawks have won by an average of 12.3 points. Atlanta is also 8-2 in their last 10 games. The Lakers have a winning streak of their own at four games. Los Angeles defeated the Charlotte Hornets 116-105 at Staples Center on Thursday night. They are 6-4 in their last 10 games, while holding their opponents to 108.5 points and 47.1% shooting from the field.
Can the Hawks defeat the defending champs at Staples? Or will the Lakers give head coach Nate McMillian his first loss? We’ll go over some ideal picks on DraftKings Sportsbook centered around the game here.
Hawks vs. Lakers, 3:30 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass
Pick ATS: Hawks +4
The line for Saturday afternoon’s game is currently set at four points, with the Lakers being favored at home. The Hawks have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA and a great bet against the spread lately.
Atlanta is 5-1-1 in their last seven games ATS and also 4-1 against the spread in their last five games against teams from the West. Trae Young and John Collins are the players to watch in this matinee contest. In their last seven contests, Young is averaging 23.6 points and 8.9 assists per game. He’s also shooting 45.9% from the field and 40% from three-point range on seven attempts per game. Collins is averaging 17.4 points and 7.9 rebounds per game over that span of time. This season, the Hawks have a record of 10-9 against the spread as an underdog.
The Lakers are a perfect 5-0 against the spread in their last five games and 7-1 in their last eight contests. Los Angeles’ lone ATS loss came against the Suns, where they lost 114-104 on Mar. 2. The defending NBA champs are also 10-12 ATS this season at Staples Center.
The Lakers will be looking clamp down on defense, specifically from three-point range. In their last three contests, Los Angeles is holding opposing teams to 34.7% shooting from behind the arc. LeBron James is almost averaging a triple-double with 25.5 points, 9.8 assists, and 8.3 rebounds during the Lakers’ winning streak.
Player Prop: Clint Capela O13.5 points (-105)
If the Hawks want to extend their winning streak, they are going to have to play inside-out against the Lakers. If they take this philosophy, one player to keep an eye on is center Clint Capela. Los Angeles should have Marc Gasol back for Saturday’s game after missing several games due to health and safety protocols. But Gasol by himself cannot stop Capela in the low post.
This season, the 26-year-old Capela is averaging a double-double consisting of 14.6 points and 14.1 rebounds per game. He has gone over 13.5 points in 16 out of 35 games played. In the last seven games he played, Capela is averaging 13.6 points on 58.6% shooting from the field. The last time these two teams played each other, Capela posted 16 points and 13 rebounds.
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