The LA Clippers face the Atlanta Hawks tonight as Atlanta looks to extend its recent winning ways with Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker heating up at just the right moment. The Hawks won four of their last six games and sit at 13-9 on the season. The Clippers, meanwhile, limp into State Farm Arena with a league-worst 5-16 record and a three-game road losing streak.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Tip-off: Wednesday, December 3, 7:30 PM ET at State Farm Arena, Atlanta
- Johnson + Alexander-Walker combined: 55 points in Monday’s 99-98 loss to Detroit, with Hawks winning 4 of last 6
- Clippers record: 5-16, worst franchise start since 2010-11 season (4-17), lost 5 straight
- Trae Young remains sidelined: Hawks 11-6 without their star guard since MCL sprain on October 29
Johnson, Alexander-Walker Lead Atlanta’s Hot Hand Offensive
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The Hawks have discovered something special with their guard tandem stepping up in the absence of Trae Young. Jalen Johnson scored 29 points—including a dominant 25 in the second half—plus 13 rebounds and 7 assists Monday at Detroit. The performance showcased his triple-double potential, as he now averages 23.2 points, 10 rebounds, and 7.3 assists with 12 double-doubles and two triple-doubles in 20 games.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker has elevated his game to a career-high 20.4 points per game, shattering his previous best of 12.8 from the 2021-22 season. The guard scored a career-high 38 points against San Antonio last month. “I’m just trusting my work, and I have the confidence and trust from my teammates and coaches,” Johnson said after Monday’s heartbreaker. “When you’ve got that recipe, only good things happen.” Coach Quin Snyder praised the team’s resilience despite the narrow loss to Detroit.
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The LA Clippers face daunting circumstances heading into tonight’s matchup. The franchise’s 5-16 start marks the worst beginning since the 2010-11 season, when they opened 4-17. With Bradley Beal sidelined for the season with a hip fracture and injuries mounting across the roster, the team’s veteran core continues to disappoint. James Harden leads the team at 26.9 points per game, while Kawhi Leonard averages 26.4 points and started brightly against Miami before wilting.
The Clippers suffered a 140-123 blowout loss to Miami on Monday, extending their losing streak to five games. Coach Tyronn Lue faces mounting pressure as the team attempts to salvage its campaign. Leonard, 34, and Harden, 36, are rumored to be available at the trade deadline. The loss of Beal forced a lineup shuffle, moving former Hawks forward John Collins into the starting rotation, though Collins averages just 11.9 points and 4.9 rebounds.
Key Matchup: Defensive Intensity Tests Atlanta’s Offensive Momentum
| Stat Category | Clippers | Hawks |
| Record | 5-16 | 13-9 |
| Spread | +3.5 | Favored by 3.5 |
| Last Game Result | Loss vs Miami 140-123 | Loss vs Detroit 99-98 |
| Key Star Player | James Harden (26.9 PPG) | Jalen Johnson (23.2 PPG) |
Recent History: Clippers Hold Home Court Advantage in Series
The Clippers have won three consecutive games in Atlanta historically, though the Hawks claimed the most recent matchup 105-102 on November 10 in Los Angeles. In their head-to-head meeting two seasons ago, the Clippers dominated 121-98 at State Farm Arena, with both Leonard and Harden scoring 25 points. Tonight marks the second of two meetings in the 2025-26 regular season, with the Clippers desperately needing a road win to salvage their West Coast swing.
Bogdan Bogdanovic has missed six straight games with a left hip contusion and remains questionable. Jordan Miller exited Monday’s game after just six minutes due to lower back tightness, compounding the Clippers’ personnel issues. The Hawks, meanwhile, continue operating without Trae Young, yet their supporting cast has compensated admirably. Atlanta’s bench and mid-tier scorers have stepped up to maintain winning basketball despite Young’s prolonged absence from damage to his right knee’s MCL ligament.
Can Atlanta Extend Its Home Dominance Against LA’s Reeling Roster Tonight?
The Hawks represents a golden opportunity for Los Angeles to reverse course, yet Atlanta’s recent form and home-court advantage make this a challenging proposition. State Farm Arena has been a fortress for Atlanta, and the dynamic pairing of Johnson and Alexander-Walker suggests the Hawks will lean heavily on their offensive firepower. If the Clippers can slow down these two guards defensively while capitalizing on their experienced offensive weapons, they have a fighting chance. Otherwise, Atlanta appears poised to capitalize on LA’s struggles and extend its own momentum heading into the latter half of December.
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.