Lakers @ Hawks tips and picks: Total too high for cross-conference clash
- George Dempsey
- 30 January 2024
The Atlanta Hawks (19-27) will look to exploit a Los Angeles Lakers (24-24) team on tired legs when they meet on Tuesday night (0030 am GMT Weds).
The Atlanta Hawks have opened as a -5 favourite against the LA Lakers with the total being set at 247 for tonight’s NBA matchup.
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Lakers @ Hawks preview
This looks like a particularly punishing spot for the Los Angeles Lakers as they face the Atlanta Hawks.
LA lost 135-119 in Houston last night and went to OT in a 145-143 loss against Golden State on Saturday.
They’ve also had tough games against the Bulls and Clippers to deal with and so this will be game number five in seven days.
The situation probably warrants backing the Hawks -5, especially as they have been so good on offence in their last two matches. Trae Young has scored 30 in back-to-back games.
However, they’re the worst cover team in the NBA and it’s so hard to trust them. They very nearly lost to a struggling Toronto side as a -6.5 favourite in their previous outing.
Instead, we’re going to look to the total which we feel has been inflated after a run of high-scoring games for both sides.
LA typically scores and allows 115 and 122 on the road, while the Hawks are putting up 121 and allowing 125.
Those are pretty big numbers but they still fall short of the 247 line that we’re being offered by the bookmakers.
It stands to reason the Lakers may not have their legs underneath them on a back-to-back and the Hawks will do well to push the pace, but is that enough?
These sides combined for 244 when they last met in LA and the last 10 meetings have averaged 226 points despite the pace they play at.
We also have to consider who will play. Dejounte Murray is questionable again for the Hawks, while the Lakers may opt to rest starters.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis have coped well with back-to-backs this season, but this looks like the most punishing situation they’ve faced.
