The Los Angeles Lakers visit the Atlanta Hawks on Monday in a matchup between two of the NBA's hottest teams.
Both clubs enter on winning streaks, with tipoff scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at State Farm Arena.
Los Angeles is 9-2 following Sunday's 121-116 victory over Detroit, its fifth consecutive win.
Austin Reaves scored a season-high 43 points, adding five rebounds and four assists. Walker Kessler contributed 12 points and 16 rebounds, while Collin Sexton and Ziaire Williams scored 17 apiece.
The Lakers played without Luka Doncic, who was sidelined by lower-back tightness and has been ruled out again Monday.
Doncic has averaged 45 points, nine rebounds and eight assists over his last four appearances. His absence puts additional pressure on Reaves to create scoring opportunities.
Reaves is averaging 25.3 points per game, while Kessler provides rebounding and interior defense.
Los Angeles also faces the second half of a back-to-back after playing Sunday in Detroit.
Atlanta enters at 7-4 after Saturday's 124-121 victory over Brooklyn extended its winning streak to four games.
Jalen Johnson returned from a three-game absence caused by a sprained left ankle and scored 30 points, adding seven rebounds and six assists.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Aaron Wiggins added 20 points each as the Hawks overcame a 17-point deficit.
Atlanta has won five of its last six games, with Johnson, Alexander-Walker and Onyeka Okongwu providing important offensive contributions.
The Hawks average 118.6 points per game but surrender 115.5, leaving room for opponents to exploit their defense.
Lakers vs. Hawks betting picks and predictions
Atlanta Hawks +2.5 (-110)
Atlanta enters with several advantages despite Los Angeles owning the better overall record.
The Hawks have won four consecutive games and are coming off a comeback victory that demonstrated their offensive depth.
Johnson's return is especially important. His ability to score, rebound and distribute gives Atlanta another weapon against a Lakers team playing without Doncic.
Los Angeles has performed impressively during its five-game winning streak, but Sunday's victory required 43 points from Reaves.
Expecting another extraordinary scoring performance on consecutive nights is a considerable demand, particularly on the road. Atlanta, which was off yesterday, should be more rested.
Kessler should help Los Angeles compete inside, but the Hawks have enough scoring options to challenge the visitors throughout the game.
Atlanta's defensive inconsistency remains a concern, especially against Reaves.
Nevertheless, the combination of home-court advantage, additional rest and Johnson's return makes the Hawks appealing underdogs.
And don't forget the Lakers' defense isn't breaking records either. Los Angeles is conceding 114.5 points per game, placing it just one spot ahead of the Hawks in that department.
Take Atlanta to cover the 2.5-point spread.
Under 236.5 points (-111)
Both teams possess enough offensive talent to produce a high-scoring contest, but several factors favor the Under.
Doncic's absence removes the Lakers' most productive scorer and primary offensive creator.
Although Reaves delivered 43 points against Detroit, Los Angeles cannot necessarily count on another exceptional performance.
The Lakers are also playing their second game in two nights, potentially affecting their shooting efficiency and offensive execution.
Atlanta has scored at least 124 points in its last two games, but its earlier victories over Indiana and Washington came with considerably lower offensive totals.
The Hawks scored 108 against Indiana and 120 in their first meeting with Washington during their current winning streak.
Johnson's return improves Atlanta's offense, while Alexander-Walker and Okongwu offer additional scoring threats.
However, a total approaching 237 points requires sustained production from both teams.
With Doncic unavailable and Los Angeles facing a difficult turnaround, the Under feels slightly more reasonable this evening.
Read more betting picks and predictions for the NBA on site.
Lakers vs. Hawks odds
Los Angeles Lakers | -117 |
Atlanta Hawks | -103 |
Spread | LA Lakers -1.5 |
Total Points | O/U 236.5 |
Lakers vs. Hawks player props
Player props
Austin Reaves (LA Lakers) | O/U 21.5 |
Walker Kessler (LA Lakers) | O/U 13.5 |
Ziaire Williams (LA Lakers) | O/U 8.5 |
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (ATL Hawks) | O/U 20.5 |
Jalen Johnson (ATL Hawks) | O/U 20.5 |
Onyeka Okongwu (ATL Hawks) | O/U 13.5 |
Lakers vs. Hawks Team News
Lakers ace Doncic has been ruled out with a back injury after missing Sunday's victory over Detroit, while Quentin Grimes is questionable.
Hawks' Johnson returned Saturday after missing three games with a left ankle sprain and scored 30 points.
Mouhamed Gueye, Asa Newell, Keshon Gilbert and Henri Veesaar are listed out, while Jock Landale is questionable.
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
