The Atlanta Hawks, clinging to a playoff perch in the East with balanced scoring and home-court fire, host a floundering Los Angeles Clippers team mired in West lottery territory. Kawhi Leonard’s return from injury injects optimism into the Clippers’ lineup, but Atlanta’s backcourt duo of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray could exploit LA’s defensive inconsistencies. This Pacific vs. Southeast showdown at State Farm Arena promises fireworks, with implications for Atlanta’s ascent and the Clippers’ rebuild narrative as the season’s midpoint looms.
Game Details
Tipoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Venue: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia (home of the Hawks; capacity ~18,000; celebrated for its raucous fanbase and LED-lit court that amplifies fast-paced games)
Broadcast: Bally Sports SoCal (BSSC), FanDuel Sports Network Southeast (FDSSE); streaming available on NBA League Pass
Team Records
| Team | Overall Record | Home/Road Split | Division Standing |
| Los Angeles Clippers | 5-16 | 3-8 / 2-8 | 5th in Pacific |
| Atlanta Hawks | 13-9 | 7-4 / 6-5 | 2nd in Southeast |
The Clippers trail Pacific leader LA Lakers by 10.5 games, while the Hawks sit just 1.5 games behind Orlando in the Southeast, underscoring Atlanta’s competitive edge.
Recent Team Forms
Atlanta rides a wave of consistency, while the Clippers battle through a brutal skid exacerbated by injuries. The Hawks boast the East’s fourth-best home net rating (+6.8), contrasting LA’s league-worst road defense (120.2 allowed PPG).
Los Angeles Clippers (1-9 in last 10; L4 streak):
The Clippers have plummeted, capped by a 128-115 road loss to Phoenix on Dec. 1, where turnovers (18) fueled a Suns run. Over their last 10, they average 108.4 PPG while surrendering 118.2, with poor rebounding (41.6 RPG, 28th) and three-point defense (37.8% allowed). Leonard’s return sparked a 112-108 win at Sacramento (Nov. 25), but subsequent losses to Golden State (126-112) and Denver (124-111) highlight perimeter woes. Key stat: Clippers rank 29th in pace (96.2 possessions).
Atlanta Hawks (6-4 in last 10; W2 streak):
Atlanta built on a 132-127 home thriller over Miami on Dec. 1 (Young: 42 PTS), following a 118-112 road win at Charlotte (Nov. 29). Their last 10 show 120.6 PPG scored and 116.8 allowed, driven by transition (15.2 fast-break PPG, 5th). Losses to Boston (121-118) and Milwaukee (130-124) exposed late-game execution, but they’re 4-1 SU in last five home games. Key stat: Hawks rank 7th in offensive rating (120.1).
Injury Report
Injuries continue to ravage the Clippers, though Leonard’s availability is a boon; Atlanta’s depth holds firm with minor tweaks. Updates as of 3:00 p.m. ET.
Los Angeles Clippers:
| Player | Position | Status | Estimated Return | Notes |
| Paul George | F | Out | Dec. 10 | Left knee soreness |
| Ivica Zubac | C | Out | Dec. 12 | Right ankle sprain |
| Nicolas Batum | F | Out | Dec. 8 | Shoulder strain |
| Terance Mann | G/F | Questionable | N/A | Hamstring (50/50) |
| Kawhi Leonard | F | Probable | N/A | Knee management (expected to play) |
George’s absence drops LA’s wing scoring by 22.1 PPG; Zubac’s rebounding void (10.2 RPG) hurts inside.
Atlanta Hawks:
| Player | Position | Status | Estimated Return | Notes |
| Kobe Bufkin | G | Out | Dec. 15 | Shoulder surgery recovery |
| Vit Krejci | G | Out | Dec. 20 | Right knee contusion |
| Mouhamed Gueye | F | Out | Jan. 5 | Left ankle sprain |
| Trae Young | G | Probable | N/A | Achilles (expected to play) |
| Dejounte Murray | G | Probable | N/A | Wrist (expected to play) |
Bufkin’s extended absence thins bench playmaking, but Young’s status ensures backcourt stability.
Key Player Matchups
With Leonard back, LA’s stars challenge Atlanta’s guards, but the Hawks’ size could dominate the glass in a high-tempo affair.
Kawhi Leonard (LAC, 24.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG) vs. De’Andre Hunter (ATL, 16.2 PPG): Leonard’s two-way mastery (1.7 SPG, 48% FG) tests Hunter’s physicality; post-injury, Kawhi averages 25.3 vs. ATL last 2. Hunter must contest mid-range. Edge: Leonard.
James Harden (LAC, 22.1 PPG, 8.5 APG) vs. Trae Young (ATL, 28.4 PPG, 10.2 APG): A point-guard showdown—Harden’s step-back threes (3.1 3PM) vs. Young’s deep range (39% 3PT). Young’s volume (20.1 FGA) edges, but Harden’s efficiency shines in pick-and-roll. Edge: Young.
Norman Powell (LAC, 20.8 PPG) vs. Dejounte Murray (ATL, 22.3 PPG, 5.8 APG): Powell’s off-ball movement exploits Murray’s on-ball focus, but Murray’s steals (1.5 SPG) disrupt LA’s flow. Edge: Murray.
Other watches: Derrick Jones Jr. (ATL) vs. Clippers’ bench; Jalen Johnson’s rebounding (7.9 RPG) in the paint.
Series History
Atlanta owns a slim all-time regular-season advantage (92-88), but the Clippers have won 5 of the last 8 meetings. LA’s most recent victory was a 129-120 home win on Mar. 28, 2025 (Harden: 33 PTS, 12 AST). The Hawks countered with a 118-112 road upset on Jan. 15, 2025. In Atlanta, the Clippers are 18-22 all-time but 3-2 in the last five visits. Average score in last 10: Clippers 114.6, Hawks 112.3. LA is 4-1 SU in their last five road games vs. Atlanta.
Betting Trends
| ATL 7-4 SU at home; LAC 2-8 SU on road. Public 75% on ATL. |
| ATL 10-12 ATS (5-6 as 10+ favs); LAC 9-12 ATS (5-5 as dogs). |
| LAC 12-9 O (avg total 226.4); ATL 13-9 O (avg 237.2). 7-3 O in last 10 H2H. |
Additional trends: Hawks 6-4 ATS in last 10; Clippers 1-9 SU in last 10 but 4-6 ATS as road dogs.
Game Odds
Los Angeles Clippers 226.5
Atlanta Hawks – 3.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 2, 2025
