Atlanta Hawks vs. Lakers Preview: Four-Game Win Streak Meets Luka Doncic

The Atlanta Hawks (7-4) host the Los Angeles Lakers, who entered the weekend 8-2, at State Farm Arena on Monday, Nov. 9, riding a four-game winning streak and getting a key player back. This Atlanta Hawks vs. Lakers preview explains how Atlanta got here, why Jalen Johnson's return matters and what to watch when Luka Doncic comes to town. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET.

Atlanta's season has turned quickly. After an Oct. 31 loss in New Orleans left the Hawks at 3-4, they beat Indiana, Washington (twice) and Brooklyn within a six-day span.

How Did the Hawks Build a Four-Game Winning Streak?

The run started with a game that was more survival than statement. Here is how each win unfolded, based on Associated Press, Field Level Media and team-site reports:

• Nov. 2 at Indiana, 108-104: Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 34 points and hit nine 3-pointers as Atlanta made 23 of 51 from deep. The Hawks' 15 first-half threes tied the franchise record for any half, but the Pacers, playing with only six available players, cut the lead to two before Onyeka Okongwu sealed it.

• Nov. 4 at Washington, 120-105: Alexander-Walker added 26 points and Okongwu had 14 points and 16 rebounds in the Hawks' first meeting with Trae Young since the January trade, per the AP.

• Nov. 6 vs. Washington, 139-132: Atlanta scored a season-high 139 points on 53% shooting, with Alexander-Walker (28), Lu Dort (25), Okongwu (22) and Aaron Wiggins (19) leading the way, per the AP.

• Nov. 7 vs. Brooklyn, 124-121: The Hawks trailed 31-14 early and did not lead until Alexander-Walker's free throws with 1:26 left, then outscored the Nets 36-26 in the fourth quarter on the second night of a back-to-back, per the AP.

The shooting swing is striking. The Hawks went 8-of-46 from three in the Oct. 31 loss to the Pelicans, according to Roundtable's game report, then made 23 of 51 two nights later. That variance is the best argument that this streak is built on both talent and a little shot-making volatility.

Why Is Nickeil Alexander-Walker Driving Atlanta's Surge?

Over the four-game streak, Alexander-Walker scored 34, 26, 28 and 20 points. That is 108 points, or 27.0 per game, based on the box-score totals above. He also made the go-ahead free throws against Brooklyn.

Analysis: With Johnson sidelined, Alexander-Walker's perimeter shooting kept the offense efficient. The question for Monday is whether that scoring stays steady now that Atlanta's primary option is back.

Can Jalen Johnson's Return Raise Atlanta's Ceiling?

Johnson sprained his left ankle in the third quarter of the Oct. 31 loss and missed three games. Atlanta won all three. He returned against the Nets with 30 points on 11-of-17 shooting, seven rebounds and six assists in 35 minutes, according to the AP.

Johnson was a first-time All-Star last season, averaging 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game. Coach Quin Snyder said Johnson was "really active without the ball" against Brooklyn. After the game, Johnson said, "I feel good," and that he would get treatment and "get ready for Monday."

What Does Luka Doncic Mean for Atlanta Hawks vs. Lakers?

Doncic is averaging 40.1 points per game, according to ESPN's game page for the matchup. Los Angeles is 8-2, and its Sunday game at Detroit makes Monday the second night of a back-to-back, per the Lakers' published schedule. One preview listed Doncic as questionable with back soreness, so watch the official NBA injury report before tip-off.

Analysis: Atlanta has defenders to throw at him. Dyson Daniels guarded Young for much of Friday's win and finished with 13 points and 12 assists, and Dort delivered 25 points plus a late shot-clock-beating jumper. How the Hawks scheme Doncic, and whether they can avoid early deficits, is the central tactical question.

What Should Hawks Fans Watch Monday Night?

• Starts: Atlanta fell behind 31-14 against Brooklyn and 35-18 in the first quarter at New Orleans. Against a team averaging a league-best scoring output, that is risky.

• Johnson's workload: He played 35 minutes in his return on a back-to-back. See whether Snyder manages his ankle.

• Three-point variance: The Hawks have swung from 8-of-46 to 23-of-51 in a single week.

• Depth: As of the Nov. 2 injury report, Jock Landale (hip strain) was out, Mouhamed Gueye (foot fracture) was out and Henri Veesaar (torn right ACL) was out, per Yahoo Sports. Check Monday's updated report.

Atlanta Hawks vs. Lakers: Game Details

• Date and time: Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, 7 p.m. ET

• Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta

• Local TV: WANF (Atlanta News First, channel 46.1) and Peachtree Sports Network, per Atlanta News First

• Records: Hawks 7-4; Lakers 8-2 entering the weekend

Want more from State Farm Arena this season? Read our coverage of the Hawks and The Home Depot multiyear partnership and the Hawks' opening night entertainment lineup.

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Note: Remix Sports Media did not attend these games. This preview draws on published reports from the Associated Press, Field Level Media, Pacers.com, ESPN and Roundtable. This content was generated by AI.