Clippers vs Hawks NBA Pick: Two Playoff Hopefuls Clash in Atlanta (Mar 14)

• The Los Angeles Clippers (36-30, 8th in the West) meet the Atlanta Hawks (32-34, 7th in the East)
• Both teams are in Play-In Tournament position and could make the playoffs
• The Clippers have won 4 of 5; the Hawks have won 4 straight and 5 of 6

The Clippers have plenty of star power, but injuries have robbed them of the chance to maximize their potential. Kawhi Leonard returned to the lineup after the new year and is still being used judiciously by head coach Ty Lue. Still, LA is a dangerous team if they make the NBA playoffs.

Atlanta’s four-game winning streak, including consecutive victories over the Pacers, has put them in the thick of the Play-In Tournament. Their season can still go either way. They are within striking distance of the fourth seed, but could fall to 11th if they hit a rough patch.

Leonard’s Return Has Given LAC Hope

The Clippers were built around Leonard and with him, they hovered around .500. Though he is still not at full strength, his presence has benefited them greatly. They have beaten Detroit, the Knicks, Sacramento, and Miami during the hot streak. Ironically, the one loss in the past five games was to bottom-feeder New Orleans.

In the 119-104 win over Miami, Leonard was rested. But Bogdan Bogdanović scored 30 and pulled down 10 rebounds. James Harden added 24 points and 11 assists. Ivan Zubac scored 26 and had 14 rebounds.

The Clippers are in the bottom third of the league in scoring but are in the top five defensively. They are a weak 3-point shooting team, fifth from the bottom.

Streaky Atlanta is Having a Good Run

It wasn’t that long ago that the Hawks lost 9 of 10 from late January to early February. Since then, they have played somewhat better. The recent run has put them in a position where they could make the playoffs.

In their last game, a 123-110 victory over the Hornets, Trae Young scored 35 points and had 12 assists, carrying his team. Chris LaVert was next on the scoring chart with 15. Onyeka Okongwu grabbed 10 rebounds.

Atlanta is one of the NBA’s highest-scoring teams averaging just over 117 PPG putting them in the top five in the league. In their last 10 games, they have upped that to just over 122 PPG. Defensively, they have been weak, near the bottom of the league in points allowed. They are in the middle of the pack with 3-pointers. The team revolves around Young.

Clippers vs Hawks Pick: Atlanta Will Keep It Close

LAC is slightly favored and both teams are hot. But with Young playing as brilliantly as he is and the Clippers still proceeding cautiously with Leonard, the Hawks should keep the game within striking distance at home.