Lakers, Hawks, Jazz Favored To Take Series Leads By Anthony Riccobono on May 28 2021 1:52 AM Atlanta Hawks all-star Trae Young (L) high-fives Clint Capela (R) during one of their wins in the 2020-2021 NBA season. Half of the first-round series in the 2021 NBA playoffs are up for grabs. Four of the eight matchups are tied 1-1 after two games, giving lower-seed teams a chance to take control of the series at home. The Los Angeles Lakers are given the best chance to win Game 3, which is set for Thursday night at Staples Center. After taking Game 2 from the Phoenix Suns on the road, the defending champs are 6.5-point favorites, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.