Hawks vs Lakers: Injury Updates, Team News, Match Preview & Predictions

Fixture: Atlanta Hawks vs Los Angeles Lakers

Date & Time: Sunday, December 15, 2019, 6:00 PM ET (11:00 PM GMT)

Venue: State Farm Arena,Atlanta.

Preview-

The team with the second most number of wins will travel to face the team with the second least number of wins on Sunday in the NBA. Los Angeles have hardly put a foot wrong this season. After losing on the opening night, the Lakers have lost just twice more.

Their last loss has come against a Luka Doncic-powered Dallas Mavericks at the start of the month, with 10 and six wins on either side of the loss. Winning in Atlanta on Sunday could extend their current winning streak to seven wins, taking their overall record to 24-3.

The Hawks, on the other hand, have won just six so far in the league. Their 6-20 record places them 13th in the Eastern Conference. Atlanta have failed to win 14 of their last 16 games, and a game against one of the Championship favourites might not be ideal to improve their record.

The only thing that can be in favour of the Hawks is freshness. The Lakers might be fatigued with five of their last six games being played down the road. Sunday’a match will be their third of a five consecutive away games. The Hawks, if provided with any opportunity, can try to capitalize on the weariness of the Lakers players.

Injury updates & team news-

Atlanta Hawks-

Injuries: No injuries

Expected starting lineup: Trae Young, Kevin Huerter, Jabari Parker, De’Andre Hunter, Damian Jones.

Los Angeles Lakers-

Injuries: LeBron James (right elbow)- Questionable, Kyle Kuzma (Ankle)- Out, Rajon Rondo (Hamstring)- Probable, Anthony Davis (Shoulder)- Probable, Avery Bradley(Leg)- Probable

Expected starting lineup: Danny Green, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Alex Caruso, Anthony Davis, JaVale McGee

Predictions-

In the Hawks dismal season so far, Trae Young has been averaging 27.7 points and 8.6 assists per game. He has led the Hawks in absence of John Collins albeit not to many victories. The trend looks certain to continue in Sunday with Young’s Hawks likely to be outscored by the likes of Anthony Davis.