Hawks vs clips: By Jackson Caudell. Once again, Atlanta Hawks, biggest victims of the league’s toughest road schedules, have returned from playing Philadelphia 76ers and Detroit Pistons where they suffered a 1-1 handoff, and this time face off against the Los Angeles Clippers, a playoff team from a year ago that has mysteriously transformed into a struggling organization this time around.
Having lost their last game, Atlanta is looking to rebound matchup before they host the Denver Nuggets this coming Friday. Below are the teams confirmed starting lineups for the game that will tipoff in a few minutes.
Starters for Atlanta Hawks
- PG: Nickeil Alexander-Walker
- PG: Dyson Daniels
- SF: Zaccharie Risacher
- PF: Mouhamed Gueye
- C: Onyeka Okongwu
Starters for Los Angeles Clippers
- PG: James Harden
- PG: Kris Dunn
- SF: Kawhi Leonard
- PF: John Collins
- C: Ivica Zubac
Statistical Information
The Atlanta Hawks have been a mixed bag through their first 22 games. 16th in the league in points, 9th in the league in both FG% and 3P%, struggling 20th from the free-throw line and 25th in total rebounds. 25th in offensive rebounds, and 18th in defensive rebounds. 1st in the league in assists, and they are 18th in turnovers, the offensive rating sits at 17th in the league.
Atlanta has been doing a good job defensively this season, allowing the 12th least points per game, 10th in FG% allowed, 6th in 3P% allowed, + with good contributions in steals (5th) + blocks (9th). Centered around their 8th ranked defensive rating, Atlanta has proven that they can stay in the game with their defensive efforts.
Despite having superstars James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, the Los Angeles Clippers have not been good. As a team they are ranked 26th in points scored, 16th in FG% and 3P%, 28th in assists, + 21st in turnovers. For how good Harden + Leonard are, their supporting cast has not done enough to let those two stars not have to carry the whole team.
One of the biggest losses for Los Angeles this year has been their defense, where they ranked 22nd in points allowed, 29th in 3P% allowed, and 27th in overall defensive rating. The start of the season has not gone well + a large part of that can be contributed to a lack of depth + a lack of any real athleticism.
This game should be good for the Atlanta Hawks to try to use their defensive abilities to get the Clippers to try to take advantage of their weak at home.