The Los Angeles Clippers have been struggling over the last couple of weeks, but they look well-placed against the Atlanta Hawks.
NBA betting odds have the Clippers at +5½, which is a sizable line for the home side.
The Hawks have some injury concerns, which could even the playing field.
Game: Atlanta Hawks (17-21) at Los Angeles Clippers (19-21)
Location: Crypto.com Arena
Day/Time: Sunday, 3:30 p.m. ET
Atlanta Hawks at Los Angeles Clippers
Hawks Lacking Consistency
The Atlanta Hawks haven’t won back-to-back games for some time, so there is a lack of consistency, which is concerning.
With a disappointing 17-21 record, the Hawks have traded wins and losses over their last five games. They come off a 134-118 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, which further exemplified their problems.
There is a distinct lack of cohesion and it has been a problem from the outset. As soon as Trae Young said the regular season isn’t important, bettors have had a hard time trusting the Hawks.
They are 15-23 against the spread, including failing to cover the spread in seven of their last 10 games.
The sportsbook is giving them respect as -5½ favorites, but if they don’t start putting it all together, they won’t be opening as favorites for too much longer.
Clippers Due a Win
After tough losses to the Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns, the Los Angeles Clippers welcome a slightly easier opponent.
They have lost their last three games against the spread and it’s time for a change. The Clippers are too good defensively to allow their record to slip much further.
They are eighth in points allowed and sixth in field goal percentage, so there is little wrong with the defense. However, they score six points less than the Hawks on offense, which is the main concern.
A recent 106-89 loss to the Suns highlighted their lack of offense, which was headed by 26 points from Marcus Morris Sr. He was the shining light in an otherwise poor game.
“We scraped and competed,” Clippers coach Ty Lue told ESPN. “That is a good ball club over there and they played well. Their stars took over down the stretch and took over the game.”
Betting online markets have the Clippers at a generous line and there could be value for bettors to snap up.
Clippers Seeking Upset
The Clippers should be given more respect on their home court. Even though losing Paul George is huge, they have enough role players to sneak a win.
We don’t have much trust in the Hawks to win consistently and there is an attitude problem with some of their players.
Therefore, we’re happy to take the Clippers with the points start.
