Los Angeles Lakers vs. Atlanta Hawks: Preview, Analysis and Predictions

With postseason positioning on the line, the Los Angeles Lakers will travel to play their inter-conference foes, the Atlanta Hawks. Although their positions in their respective standings are similar, this is a tale of two teams headed in different directions.

So who will emerge with a much-needed win?

The Lakers have won 17 of their past 23 games and are now three games above .500 for the first time this season. They're 34-31 overall, 12-20 on the road and 16-10 against the Eastern Conference.

They've won four in a row.

As for the Hawks, they have lost three in a row and six of their past seven. They're 34-29 overall, 19-11 at home and 13-12 against the West.

So how is this all going down?

 

Time: Wednesday, March 13, at 7:30 p.m. ET

TV: TWC SportsNet and TSOH

Records: Los Angeles Lakers (34-31, 12-20 road) at Atlanta Hawks (34-29, 19-11 home)

Betting Line: Lakers (+1.5) at (Hawks (-1)

 

Los Angeles Lakers Injury Report

Pau Gasol, Torn Plantar Fascia, Out

Jordan Hill, Hip Surgery, Out

 

Atlanta Hawks Injury Report

Zaza Pachulia, Sore Achilles, Doubtful

Lou Williams, Torn ACL, Out

 

Key Storyline: Another Homecoming for D-12



On March 12, Dwight Howard made his long-awaited turn to Orlando when the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic. One day later, Howard will be returning to a different familiar city.

This time around, it will be his hometown of Atlanta as the Lakers take on the Hawks.

For his career, Howard is averaging 17.7 points and 14.8 rebounds against his hometown team. In his first game against the Hawks in 2012-13, however, Howard scored just 11 points on 5-of-12 shooting.

So how will he fare this time around?

That will be the question that deter...

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