Atlanta at Los Angeles

You need to play defense against the finesse Lakers, who aren't quick on defense and prefer to run and score.  Atlanta has physical defensive play inside and plays tough defense at 11th in the NBA in points allowed.  The Hawks had won five straight road games before falling to the Phoenix Suns on Friday and this team is 5-1 ATS in their last six road games. Atlanta is 9-2-1 ATS playing on one days rest and 5-1 ATS in their last six road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Center Al Horford and Josh Smith will be a handful for the Lakers without Pau Gasol. LA doesn't play any defense at 24th in points allowed and 17th in field goal shooting defense. The Lakers are 8-17-1 ATS in their last 26 against the Eastern Conference and 16-36 ATS following a straight up win. Atlanta, meanwhile, is the No. four seed in the East. Play the Hawks.