Hawks vs Lakers Free Pick, NBA Free Picks, NBA Predictions 1/3/25

ATLANTA vs. LA LAKERS (LAL -3.5, 230.5)

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Hawks vs Lakers Free Pick, NBA Free Picks, NBA Predictions 1/3/25

HAWKS @ LAKERS 1/3/25

Tonight, the Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Lakers face off once again in a high-octane match at the Crypto.com Arena. This is the finale of their two-game regular-season face-off. The Hawks bested the Lakers 134-132 in a heart-pounding overtime game on December 6, with the Lakers covering the 4-point spread.

Last Wednesday, the Hawks' impressive four-game victory streak came to an end. Despite defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Chicago Bulls, the Miami Heat, and the Toronto Raptors, they lost 139-120 to the Denver Nuggets.

In Denver, Atlanta's defense crumbled, with a disastrous 40 and 41 points conceded in the first and third quarter respectively. Despite their performance beyond the arc (16-for-46), they were overwhelmed 76-54 in the paint. Star player Trae Young came out strong with 30 points and nine assists.

Remarkably, the Hawks have managed to stay above .500, regardless of a negative net rating. Scoring an average of 112.9 points per 100 possessions, ranking 14th NBA-wide, Atlanta unfortunately allows 114.4 points per game - tied for 17th place. Their three-point rate and three-point percentage place them at 23rd and 18th respectively in the NBA.

As for the Lakers, they welcomed the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday, following a disappointing 122-110 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on New Year’s Eve. It was their second loss in seven games. Austin Reaves was the star in this game, with an impressive 35 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds. However, this was not enough to overpower the Cavs' solid defense which held the Lakers to a mere 25.7% shooting from beyond the arc.

The Lakers are not known for their three-point shooting prowess, standing at 25th in the league in three-point rate and 19th in three-point percentage. Their average score per 100 possessions places them 12th, but they stand at a lowly 21st in points allowed.

With the Lakers' perimeter defense having been weak all season, and Trae Young's outstanding 31-point and 20-assist performance last December, he's likely to deliver another solid performance. The Hawks excel at disrupting the opposition, ranking fourth in the league in defensive turnover percentage (14.2%). They pose a significant threat to the Lakers who are known for keeping possession of the basketball (8th in turnover percentage, 12.3%).

The Lakers are 6-2 SU and ATS in their last eight games. Atlanta is 4-1 SU and ATS in its last five. LA is 12-5 SU in its last 17 games at home. The Lakers have beaten Atlanta in 12 of the last 17 meetings.

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COACH RICK FREE PICK:

LEBRON JAMES UNDER 9.5 ASSISTS

Anthony Davis won’t play tonight and you might think James would pick up the slack. That’s true, he may score more than his 23.9 ppg average. He did last night when he scored 38 against the Trail Blazers, but he only had 8 assists. In fact, he has gone Over tonight’s number in just one of his last five games and 7 of the last 10. In the one other game James played without Davis, he put up 6 assists. In his last 10 games against the Hawks, James has averaged 8.9 assists. Getting to double digits isn’t happening tonight.