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LA Clippers have tough back-to-back against Young, Atlanta Hawks

By Adrian Rivera

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 8: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers handles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks on January 8, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 8: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers handles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks on January 8, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Can the LA Clippers capture a rare pair of consecutive wins on the second night of a back-to-back after defeating the Kings last night at home?

This late in the season, it’s time to prove where this deep LA Clippers team stands, since playoff positioning is changing every day. tonight, LA will get a chance to extend their winning streak agains the Atlanta Hawks.

The Clippers still have an impressive 15-10 record at home, especially considering they host some of the league’s top teams. Meanwhile, the Hawks are only 7-20 on the road. LA has also done better against Eastern Conference teams this year, while the Hawks have struggled against a loaded Western Conference. However, on the second night of a back-to-back, the Clippers need to be ready.

The Hawks play at the league’s top-ranked pace, and with a full day of rest, there’s a chance they exhaust the Clippers tonight. The Clippers played the Kings last night in Los Angeles, and the starters didn’t get a lot of rest, but the Clippers did win by 14.

LA has won three games in a row, and four of their last five, after coming home from a road trip that ended in Chicago. The Clippers are currently sitting in the eighth playoff spot, two games ahead of ninth, and one game behind fifth.

Every game counts and games such as tonight’s, on the second night of back-to-back against a team that has found its way lately can be dangerous. Adding the fact the Clippers may be looking ahead towards their Los Angeles tilt, and potentially LeBron James‘ return when they play the ninth-seeded Lakers on Thursday.

Rookie guards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Trae Young get to square off, two top prospects in this year’s draft. Young has shown plenty of potential, while Shai has proven he is a quick learner and a well established two-way guard already.

As far as injuries go, Danilo Gallinari remains out for his sixth straight game and will probably not play the next game either. As well as Luc Mbah a Moute is being evaluated regularly but has not played since October. Milos Teodosic is also out with knee tendonitis.

Next. Should the LA Clippers try to trade for Anthony Davis?. dark

Tonight’s game tips off prime time 7:30 PM PST as the Clippers look to keep up in the close playoff race. Expect the same starters to take the floor for LA.

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