NBA 2018-19: Predicted Starting Lineups and Match Prediction - Los Angeles Lakers vs Atlanta Hawks
Los Angeles Lakers (28-28) vs Atlanta Hawks (18-38), State Farm Arena
The Atlanta Hawks will host the Los Angeles Lakers tonight at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Lakers continued their losing run against the 76ers in their last game, whereas the Orlando Magic torpedoed the Hawks.
Let us see how things stand for both teams tonight.
The Los Angeles Lakers perspective
After a gritty effort against the Boston Celtics on Thursday, winning the game at the horn, the Lakers were brimming with confidence when they entered the game against the 76ers on Sunday, and it showed on the court during the first quarter when Kyle Kuzma dropped in 22 in the first quarter.
However, the game took a completely different turn after the first half, and a win looked like a daunting task for the Lakers. The Lakers lost by a margin of 23 points with Kuzma finishing the night with 39 points.
The Lakers have dropped to 10th place in the West and are 2.5 games behind the 8th placed Clippers. They need to win tonight to remain in contention and enter the All-Star weekend with some hope.
Predicted lineup- LeBron James, Kyle Kuzma, JaVale McGee, Brandon Ingram and Reggie Bullock.
The Atlanta Hawks perspective
Currently, the Hawks are on a 3-game losing streak.
Also, the reports of Jeremy Lin parting ways with the team further escalates the degeneration process for them. However, the Hawks are an "on the day" team and will be relying on how John Collins and Trae Young perform tonight.
On paper, they might not seem a threat to the LeBron James-led Lakers, but they have the firepower to upset the visitors tonight.
Predicted lineup- John Collins, Taurean Prince, Dewayne Dedmon, Kevin Huerter and Trae Young.
How things might unfold
The Hawks are a terrible defensive team, and they can't let the Lakers take advantage of that tonight. However, they have been mostly inconsistent throughout the season.
The Lakers need a playoff spot, and they will go in all guns blazing tonight. LeBron is a legend, and he will not easily give up on this team.
Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers to beat Atlanta Hawks