NBA Bet of the Day: Hawks can get the better of COVID hit Clippers

Miami Heat @ Brooklyn Nets
Tuesday, 00:30 GMT
Live on Sky Sports Arena

COVID issues for the in-form Clippers

The Clippers have won seven straight games, but tonight will be a tough task. Not only are they facing an in form Hawks, but they will also be without their big two as Kawhi Leonard and Paul George both miss out due to COVID protocols. Starting point guard Patrick Beverley will also be out due to a knee injury. Without three of their starters the Clippers look very ordinary - as any team would - but losing Leonard and George in particular just takes away so much from this team.

Their hopes in this one will come from their strong defence. They rank fourth in scoring but whether they can perform at that level is a big question. And even if they can, do they have enough offence to take advantage of it?

Hawks finding their form

The Hawks have really improved after some early struggles. They lost to the Bucks last time but there is no shame in that - they were missing two of their best in Trae Young and Clint Capella. Prior to that they had won three straight and really show a lot more on the defensive end. They can do so again here, particularly with against the weakened Clippers.

This team is built around Young. He is day to day with back spasms but the indications are that he will play. He put up 81 in his past two games and it is no surprise that Atlanta's return to form has coincided with his.

Hawks have too much for weakened Clippers

The Clippers have been in great form, but this isn't the same Clippers. They will be relying on their depth - one of the big criticisms of this team. The Hawks have their own injury issues but as long as Young can make it back they have enough to win. By a lot of advanced stats they are outperforming their record and that will start to even out, and that should start with a win at home to LA.