Atlanta Hawks vs. Los Angeles Lakers prediction, Digi Mart USA News: The Atlanta Hawks beat the Brooklyn Nets, but On SI contributor Rohan Raman writes that the same approach will not be enough against the Los Angeles Lakers. He notes that the Lakers are currently seventh in net rating and have the league’s best offensive rating, with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler posting a +24.9 net rating in their 188 minutes together.
Raman’s first prediction centers on three-point shooting. The Lakers have won five straight games but concede 37.5% from deep, the sixth-worst mark in the NBA.
Atlanta averages the fourth-most makes and third-most attempts in the league, and Raman expects NAW, CJ and Aaron Wiggins to have big shooting games, with Jalen Johnson’s three-point shooting also returning to its usual level.
Raman’s second prediction focuses on rookie point guard Flemings, who is already averaging 4.4 assists per game. Teammates shoot 78% on his passes, which ranks in the 82nd percentile among point guards.
Although his turnovers are somewhat high, Raman believes the Lakers, who are third in steals but concede the 10th-most transition points per game, could give him easy scoring chances.
Raman’s final prediction is that Johnson will have a massive game as a rebounder and passer. The Lakers rank 28th in defensive rebounds per game, and Raman notes that LeBron James is no longer on the roster to guard him.
Johnson has averaged 15.9 points on a 41.7% true shooting rate in 47 possessions against James since 2024. Raman also expects Matisse Thybulle to have a strong game against the Lakers.
