The Hawks are riding a five-game win streak and playing some of their best basketball right now, especially at home. Meanwhile, the Lakers have been going viral for all the wrong reasons, with clips of their poor effort making the rounds and JJ Redick even calling them out for struggling to do the very basics on the court. That kind of energy doesn’t inspire much confidence against a Hawks team that’s in a nice groove.
To make matters worse for the Lakers, LeBron is questionable, and without him, it’s hard to see them keeping things competitive. Even if he suits up, this feels like a tough spot for a team still trying to figure things out. The Hawks should take care of business and cover here.
The Timberwolves are on a tear, delivering dominant performances this past week, including a commanding 108-80 victory over the Clippers and being up 40 for most of the game. Their defense has been suffocating, and they’re playing with a confidence that’s hard to match. In contrast, the Warriors are in a state of flux. Head coach Steve Kerr has hinted at potential lineup changes to find the right mix, a clear sign that the team is still searching for answers.
Facing a red-hot Timberwolves squad that’s been dismantling opponents and locking them down defensively, the Warriors’ uncertainty could be their downfall. Minnesota’s momentum and cohesion right now make them a strong pick to not only cover the spread but get the win.