The Los Angeles Lakers (7-2) and Atlanta Hawks (4-5) meet Saturday night at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET (NBA TV). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Lakers vs. Hawks odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
2024-25 season series: Split 1-1
The Lakers, after a 2-2 start, have been scorching hot. They took down the San Antonio Spurs 118-116 at home Wednesday for their fifth straight victory. Los Angeles covered as a 2-point home underdog as the Over (227.5) cashed. G Luka Doncic dropped a team-high 35 points, though he was just 9-for-27 from the field. The Lakers’ offense has been surging, scoring at least 116 points in all 5 wins.
The Hawks, who got off to a 1-3 start and have rebounded by going 3-2 over their last 5, lost to the Toronto Raptors at home 109-97 Friday. They failed to cover as a 2.5-point favorite as the Under (235.5) hit. F Jalen Johnson scored 21 points in the loss. Atlanta’s main issues have been at State Farm Arena, where it is 1-3 on the season. The Hawks are just 3-6 against the spread (ATS).
Lakers at Hawks odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:35 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Lakers -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Hawks +135 (bet $100 to win $135)Against the spread: Lakers -3.5 (-115) | Hawks +3.5 (-105)Over/Under (O/U): 230.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Lakers at Hawks key injuries
Lakers
F LeBron James (sciatica) outG Austin Reaves (groin) out
Hawks
(Not yet submitted — below was for Friday’s game)
G Luke Kennard (illness) outG Trae Young (knee) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Lakers at Hawks picks and predictionsPrediction
Lakers 120, Hawks 113
PASS.
Expect the Lakers (-165) to keep their winning streak alive, but they are just too expensive to play on the moneyline.
BET LAKERS -3.5 (-115).
The Doncic-led Lakers have one of the most efficient attacks in the NBA, ranking seventh in offensive rating. They top the league in true shooting percentage (62.6%).
The Hawks come in at 24th in offensive rating. While their defense remains solid, Atlanta has allowed at least 112 points in 6 of 9 games. It is just 1-3 ATS at home and has failed to top 100 points in 2 of those contests. The Lakers, meanwhile, are 4-0 straight up and 4-0 ATS on the road.
Back LAKERS -3.5 (-115).
BET OVER 230.5 (-110).
Both teams play at a reasonably fast tempo, with the Hawks ranking 13th and the Lakers 16th in pace. The Lakers’ consistent offense should continue their trend of tallying at least 116 points — they are 3-1 O/U on the season.
Atlanta has alternated going Over and Under in its last 7 games and is primed to top the total here. Take OVER 230.5 (-110).
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