Crucial Matchup: Los Angeles Lakers vs Atlanta Hawks preview, predictions, injury report and TV info

NBA
Monday, 18 March 2024 at 20:00
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In one of the most dramatic games scheduled for this Monday, LeBron James' Los Angeles Lakers will be playing against the Atlanta Hawks, led by Dejounte Murray. Anthony Davis is questionable for this matchup with an eye abrasion suffered against the Warriors last Saturday. LA can't afford to lose if they want to continue battling for getting out of that 10th spot in the Western Conference Standings.
The Hawks come into the game on their second back-to-back night after beating the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. The Hawks, despite the injuries, managed to beat one of the strongest teams in the West. Right now they are in a comfortable position despite being in the last playoff spot. With a 30-37 record, they have the Brooklyn Nets (11th with 26-42) far behind them in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Lakers, meanwhile, will face Atlanta looking to redeem themselves from the tough loss against the Warriors, which caused them to fall to 10th place in the West. The purple and gold franchise cannot afford to lose in a game like today. With a record of 36-32, they must look out for the Houston Rockets (11th at 32-35), who have won their last five games.
Expert predictions (Possible starting lineups and Winner)
The main predictions for tonight's game place the Los Angeles Lakers as the favorite to win despite the possible absence of Anthony Davis. LA have a lot at stake, and Atlanta is playing on its second night of back-to-back, in addition to being a visitor.
In addition, the potential quintets will be as follows:
  • Lakers: D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes.
  • Hawks: Dejounte Murray, Wesley Matthews, Jalen Johnson, Vit Krejci, Clint Capela.
Schedule and TV
The game will be played early tonight at 10:30 pm ET, and can be followed on the NBA's official website and app with a League Pass subscription.
Injuries
  • Lakers: Anthony Davis (eye) and Cam Reddish (ankle) are questionable. Christian Wood (knee), Gabe Vincent (knee), Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) and Colin Castleton (wrist) are out.
  • Hawks: Trae Young (toe), Onyeka Okongwu (toe), AJ Griffin (leg and ankle), Mouhamed Gueye (anterior cruciate ligament) and Kobe Bufkin (toe), ruled out. Saddiq Bey (knee), out for the season.