Los Angeles Clippers vs Atlanta Hawks Prediction: Oft-injured Clippers take on the slumping Hawks

The NBA Regular Season is going to head toward the trade deadline and we are just around a month removed from the important window. Therefore, a bunch of teams will be intensely looking at the market. This can be the case for both the teams that will meet here as the Los Angeles Clippers are going to take on the Atlanta Hawks.

The Clippers come into this game after losing 115:128 against the Minnesota Timberwolves despite a 21 points outing by Norman Powell. This was the Clippers’ fifth straight loss as they have now fumbled to 21 wins and 20 losses. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard still aren’t sharing the court as much as coach Ty Lue would want whereas veterans Reggie Jackson, Norman Powell, and John Wall haven’t given the required returns, which has resulted in the team losing the steam and lacking the depth.

The biggest issue for the Clippers has been the offensive end where they have struggled to put up 110 or more regularly. They have a record of around 50% wins largely due to their defense which is one of the best in the league. However, not having George and Leonard together consistently has now started to hurt the defensive end again. It will be interesting to see if the Clippers explore the trade market for big gains.

The Hawks come into this game after losing 114:130 against the LA Lakers despite a 32 points performance by Trae Young. The Hawks have now lost five out of their six games and as a result, they have fallen to 21 losses and just have 18 wins. The team began the season with 10 wins and six losses, since then they have lost 15 and have won just eight. The squad got DeJounte Murray during the offseason but the returns haven’t been as expected. Lately, the team’s defense has suffered, especially without Capela, as they routinely give up 120+ points.

Trae Young is having another high-scoring season but has made less than 33% of his long-range shots and the Hawks are among the worst long-range shooting teams in the league. The play of John Collins has also been underwhelming and the Hawks may explore trades in that regard. Atlanta’s current form is a reminder of how they played last season, giving up a ton of points and not finishing well.

• Clippers: QUESTIONABLE: Paul George, Nicolas Batum, Luke Kennard;
• Hawks: OUT: Clint Capela.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Trae Young(27-32 Points), Kawhi Leonard(24-29 Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: John Collins(9-11 Rebounds), Ivica Zubac(8-11 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: Trae Young(9-11 Assists), John Wall(7-9 Assists).

The Clippers need a big win to get their campaign on track and for that, they will need Leonard and George to be available. Meanwhile, the Hawks have been in an even worse position because their aces have been healthy and still the returns have been slim. Paul George may play here and if Leonard and George play here, the Clippers will be favorites. I believe the Clippers will win this 118:105.