Hawks vs Lakers

NBA odds, picks, and predictions for the Atlanta Hawks at Los Angeles Lakers on January 6. NBA betting best bet and free pick analysis.

It has seen totals of 240+ five times this season (and all have come since November 23), and has gone 4-1 to the Under in those games. That rate has been even higher on the road (13-6, 68.4%) and as favorites (14-7, 66.7%). Los Angeles is 22-16 to the Over this season, tied for the third-highest rate of Overs (57.9%). Although these two played north of the 240+ total in last week’s matchup, it will be tough to replicate. With totals above 240, it has gone 2-1 to the Over, including its last matchup against Atlanta which had a total of 243 and had 251 points scored. The Hawks are 15-22-1 ATS this year, good for the third-worst mark on the season (40.5% cover rate). The total opened at 242 and has since stayed at that number. And as underdogs of three or fewer points, the Lakers have been stellar: they are 7-1 both straight up and ATS in those games. They have not been favored often on the road, and have gone 2-4 ATS in those games. [Thomas Bryant](https://www.covers.com/sport/basketball/nba/players/959/thomas-bryant), who has been thrust into the starting lineup in Anthony Davis' absence, scored 19 points while securing 17 boards. The Atlanta Hawks (18-20) are struggling to keep their head above .500, having lost four of their last five amidst a four-game West coast road trip. The Lakers have certainly struggled this year as a whole, but there are undeniable parts of their game that are notable despite those results.

We go over some of the best betting options for Friday's matchup between the Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers should shore things up a bit defensively, and even a small lapse in scoring from both teams makes the over a tough play. The Hawks failed to hit the over on 245 a few days ago with the Kings, and we’ve got another big ask here against LA. The Hawks are 4-6 in their last 10, and are struggling to find a direction this season due to some internal turmoil. The star has been throwing out quotes to get management to make a trade to improve the roster, and he’ll get putting on big showings to push them in that direction. James is probable for the Lakers, as is Russell Westbrook. The Lakers got a big victory behind LeBron James’ heroics the last time these teams met just before the new year.