Hawks vs Clippers Picks and Predictions: Murray Struggles Against LAC's Size, Physicality

It's hard to call a game before the All-Star break a must-win, but that is likely the case for the Los Angeles Clippers and Atlanta Hawks, who remain on the search for answers.

The Clippers have dropped five in a row and no longer look like a team that anyone should be fearful of moving forward. Atlanta has also been disappointing, dropping six of their last 10 games and looking more like a lottery team than a playoff-contending one.

I break down the matchup and more in my best NBA picks and predictions for Hawks vs. Clippers below.

Hawks vs Clippers best odds

Hawks vs Clippers picks and predictions

At the beginning of the season, we all wondered who would take the backseat in the pairing of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. The early results show it's still Young in command of the Atlanta Hawks offense, for better or worse, with the Oklahoma product averaging more shot attempts, points, and usage rate per game on the season.

That strategy has yet to work for Atlanta thus far, so that could change as the season progresses. Still, for now, the reality is that Murray is playing second fiddle to Young's dominant ball usage ways, which has led to some up-and-down performances for Murray this season.

Tonight, his points total is set at 19.5, which is slightly too high to risk a bet. For one, the Clippers have one of the better perimeter defenses in the NBA. Currently serving in more of the shooting guard role for the Hawks, Murray will be facing a defense that allows 20.86 points per game to opponents' shooting guards; that's the second-best mark in the NBA, only behind the Cavaliers.

Kawhi Leonard isn't on tonight's injury report, bringing another solid defensive presence into the mix. Leonard and Paul George will spend a lot of time on Murray, and their size advantage could make life hell for Murray on the wings. 

Murray is averaging 21.7 points per game on the road this season, but he is coming off a 16-point clunker against the Lakers in the same arena he'll be playing in tonight. He's covered 19.5 in only five of his last ten games and will have more than a tall task of trying to do so against a Clippers team that will look to bounce back strong after an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the Nuggets earlier this week.

Expect the Clippers to come out strong on the defensive end, not allowing Murray to get into rhythm. 

My best bet: Dejounte Murray Under 19.5 points (-115)

Hawks vs Clippers spread analysis

The Clippers and Hawks are two of the most disappointing teams in the NBA this season. LAC was considered a title contender, and the Hawks were expected to climb further up the Eastern Conference ladder. Neither team has found things to click to date, which makes tonight's matchup all the more intriguing.

For the season, the Clippers are 9-10 ATS at home, while the Hawks are 7-12 ATS on the road. Both are searching for a glimmer of hope during a season filled with roadblocks.

Even with all of their struggles offensively, the Clippers still have one of the better defensive units in the league, ranking sixth in defensive rating (110.8). The ball pressure L.A. brings will cause all sorts of problems for an Atlanta team in the Bottom 10 in offensive rating (111.5).

One final stat to consider: The Hawks surrender 116.6 points per game. In games the Clippers have scored 117+ points, they've amassed an encouraging 8-2 ATS record.

Hawks vs Clippers Over/Under analysis

With both teams looking at this game as a must-win to get back on track, I expect the defensive intensity to be present from the beginning. Leonard and George will create issues for the Hawks perimeter scorers by using their length and size to force them into bad shots.

Still, even with the intensity of the defense, this one is tough to project Over or Under. Atlanta has hit the Over in five out of their last six games on the road against a team with a winning home record.

For this game to hit the Over, Young must perform well, finding a rhythm early and often. It won't be easy, but he did deliver 27 points and 11 assists in his last duel with L.A. last season.

NBA odds have this line set at 234, and while that is a significant number, it's tough to pick a side when dealing with two very unpredictable teams.

Hawks vs Clippers betting trend to know

The Over is 6-2 in Atlanta's last eight road games. Find more NBA betting trends for Hawks vs. Clippers.

Hawks vs Clippers game info

Hawks vs Clippers key injuries

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