Los Angeles Clippers vs. Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks will play host to the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night with an opening tip time of 7:35 PM ET. According to current NBA betting odds at Bookmaker, Atlanta is a 5.0-point favorite.
Red-Hot Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers will enter Tuesday’s game riding a 7-game win streak. However, it must be noted that 6 of those 7 contests were played at home. Today will be the 1st of a 6-game road trip for Los Angeles.
Shorthanded Clippers
If the Clippers are going to cover tonight, they’ll have to do so without their two leading scorers. On Monday, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard were ruled out due to COVID-19 protocols. We are talking about two players which have combined to score 49.8 points per game this season. Additionally, their best perimeter defender Patrick Beverly will be out while nursing a sore knee.
Hawks Look to Extend Modest Home Win Streak
Atlanta has gone a perfect 3-0 SU&ATS in their last 3 home games while winning by an average of 12.3 points per contest.
Hawks Key Players Return
The Hawks are coming off a 14-point loss at Milwaukee in their previous outing. Nevertheless, they were without their leading scorer (Trae Young) and rebounder (Clint Capela). Both are expected play tonight. Trae Young has averaged 25.3 points and 8.7 assists per game this season. Clint Capella is averaging a substantial 14.5 rebounds and 14.2 points scored per contest.
Final Analysis and Pick
The oddsmakers have made the proper adjustment to the line with regards to key Clippers players being unavailable. The question then becomes, despite those absences does the Heritage Sports NBA betting odds of Los Angeles being a 5.0-point underdog present value? From my viewpoint, it doesn't but I am sure many out there will disagree and that's just fine. Moreover, I am taking the contrarian approach and side with the home chalk. My NBA free pick on this game fully concurs with the previous statement.
Pick: Atlanta Hawks -5.0
Ross Benjamin is a top sports analyst and one of the sports industry's most respected handicappers. Follow him on Twitter: @RossBenjamin1 or visit his website at RBWins.com