Atlanta Hawks vs La Clippers Picks and Predictions March 14th 2025

Clippers, Hawks Meet a Month After Trade-Deadline Deal

The Los Angeles Clippers continue their push for playoff positioning in the Western Conference when they visit the Atlanta Hawks on Friday. Both teams are fighting for improved seeding as the regular season winds down.

Clippers’ Playoff Push

Los Angeles has won four of its last five games, including a 119-104 road victory over the Miami Heat on Wednesday. The Clippers currently sit in eighth place in the West, just 1.5 games behind the No. 6 seed, which would allow them to avoid the play-in tournament.

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“There are a lot of games left and we’re treating every game like a must-win,” said Clippers center Ivica Zubac, who has recorded 10 consecutive double-doubles. “One game at a time. A lot of stuff can change in this league. We’re not worrying about anyone else but us.”

Hawks Gaining Momentum

Atlanta has also been on a roll, winning four straight after defeating the Charlotte Hornets 123-110 on Wednesday. The Hawks hold the No. 7 spot in the East, two games ahead of No. 8 Orlando. However, closing the five-game gap to No. 6 Detroit before the playoffs will be a tall task.

This is the second and final meeting between these teams this season. The Clippers dominated the first matchup, winning 131-105 on Jan. 4. Los Angeles also holds a two-game win streak in Atlanta.

Trade-Deadline Faces Square Off

Friday’s game marks the first meeting between the teams since their trade-deadline deal that sent Bogdan Bogdanovic to the Clippers in exchange for Terance Mann, Caris LeVert, and Georges Niang. All three new Hawks players have been instrumental in their recent success.

“I’m excited about this game,” said Mann, who has seen increased playing time and is averaging 9.5 points per game with Atlanta. “But to be honest, I’m just looking at it as another game. I could care less what they have going on. I’m worried about what we’re doing over here, trying to keep the streak alive.”

LeVert (16.7 ppg) and Niang (13.8 ppg) have also made significant contributions, helping the Hawks stabilize their rotation.

Meanwhile, Bogdanovic has embraced his role with the Clippers. With Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell sidelined against Miami, he stepped into the starting lineup and delivered a season-high 30 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists.

Harden Continues Hot Streak

James Harden has been on a tear, scoring 20-plus points in six straight games. Over that stretch, he’s averaging 29.3 points per game. Against Miami, he finished with 24 points, eight rebounds, and 11 assists. Harden has historically performed well against Atlanta, averaging 24.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists over 25 career games.

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Injury Updates & Coaching Absence

Leonard, who sat out the second half of a back-to-back against Miami, is expected to return against the Hawks. However, Powell (hamstring strain) remains out.

The Clippers have also been without head coach Tyronn Lue for the past three games due to back pain. Assistant coach Brian Shaw has been leading the team in his absence.

With both teams surging at the right time, this game could have major implications for the playoff race in both conferences.

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