Los Angeles Dodgers
Hawks vs Lakers Prediction January 3: Bet Los Angeles ATS -3.5 and Over 232.5
- Get the latest Hawks vs Lakers odds at BetUS.
- Los Angeles is finding a balance on its roster, which can help them cover the spread.
- The Hawks’ strong offense and poor defense will push this game toward the over.
- Find my top Hawks vs Lakers NBA expert picks ahead.
There is not a lot of NBA news to focus on in this matchup between the Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Lakers, except for this being a game between two middle-of-the-standings teams. Both teams are good, but there is a question about to what extent, making this game compelling.
Before the Hawks’ last game against the Denver Nuggets, they had won four straight. But their defense struggled, ending that streak with a 139-120 loss, which will affect the BetUS sportsbook lines. In the Lakers last game, they beat the Portland Trail Blazers 114-106, the first of a back-to-back.
Hawks vs Lakers Game Information
- Game: Hawks (18-16) vs. Lakers (19-14)
- Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
- Date/Time: Jan. 3, 10:30 p.m. ET
- Hawks vs Lakers Live Stream: NBA Game Pass
Get the latest Hawks vs Lakers injury news here.
Hawks vs Lakers Betting Preview: Best 2 NBA Bets for Today
1. Lakers at Home Ready To Cover -3½
These teams have already played once this season, when the Hawks won in Atlanta 134-132 in overtime on Dec. 6. That shows how close this next matchup can be.
However, one thing to pay attention to for NBA predictions is how well the Lakers stars played in that loss. LeBron James had a triple-double in that game, finishing with 39 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds. Then there was Anthony Davis, who was close to his own with 38 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.
When the Lakers’ two stars play at this level, it is hard to imagine them losing, but they did. A big reason is that they got little support, as no one else on the Lakers scored more than 14 points.
Austin Reaves last 3 games:
35 PTS | 10 AST | 9 REB
26 PTS | 16 AST | 6 REB
26 PTS | 10 AST | 10 REBThe Lakers already HAVE a third star ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/nczyuZuKxO
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) January 1, 2025
Since that game, the Hawks’ defense has not been much better. They have allowed 120.5 points per game since that win, which is the fourth most in the league. It is hard to imagine that they will stop an improved Lakers offense. In the three games before the game with the Trail Blazers, Austin Reaves has been fantastic in a more prominent role, averaging 29 points and 12 assists per game. That might be the biggest reason to back the Lakers in NBA picks.
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2. Hawks Defense And Offenses Pushes For Points, So Go Over 232½
The points total in this game might be determined by the drastic difference between the Hawks’ offense and defense. They have been complete opposites this season, which has led to the Hawks‘ second-highest over percentage in the league (67.7%).
Trae Young has 384 AST this season.
The next closest player doesn’t even have 300. pic.twitter.com/aZ7AfyEbc4
— StatMamba (@StatMamba) January 2, 2025
On offense, the Hawks are elite. They run everything through Trae Young, who averages 22.3 points per game but also leading the league in assists at 12. Young’s play opens up a lot for other players, leading to Jalen Johnson and De’Andre Hunter averaging better than 19 points per game. Plus, seven players are averaging in double figures in at least 14 games.
Because of Young, the Hawks’ offense averages 117.9 points this season, the fifth-most in the league. But they allow 119.4 points per game, the third-most in the league. That is despite Dyson Daniels leading the league in steals per game at 3.1.
Given the Hawks’ exciting offense and poor defense, tied in with the Lakers’ star power, this game feels like it can hit the over in NBA betting. Even before overtime, the last time these teams played each other, they hit the over, scoring 238 points, with a line set at 234½.
Bet on Hawks vs Lakers Over 232½
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Questions of the Day
Who is going to lead the Hawks vs Lakers game in scoring?
It might be a surprise, but Austin Reaves could continue his hot run based on a recent play.
Is there a player prop bet worth paying attention to in the Hawks vs Lakers game?
Reaves has become a big part of the Lakers offense as a playmaker, and he could hit the over on his assists.
Odds and information are accurate at the time of writing. Please check with official sources for the latest updates before placing any bets.
