It’s hard to find two more disimilar games than the Atlanta Hawks‘ last two games. In their double OT win, jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker went shot for shot with Tyrese Maxey and the Hawks torched Philadelphia’s defense for 142 points. They looked formidable on offense, but they made multiple mental mistakes on defense that kept them from closing out Philadelphia until double overtime.
The Pistons game was wholly different – neither team cleared 100 points and Atlanta held the Pistons to 19.2% shooting from deep. However, detroit beat them up on the boards (60 rebounds to atlanta’s 38) – some clutch shot-making from Cade Cunningham was enough to overcome 22 turnovers and beat atlanta’s defense.
Tonight’s game should be a far easier test than either of their two previous opponents. The Los Angeles Clippers have been one of the most dissapointing teams across the NBA this season and they’re nursing a five game losing streak. LA just got blown out by the Miami Heat despite getting a 36-point performance from Kawhi Leonard. james Harden has been doing his best to carry the Clippers as a playmaker, but there is just too little talent on this clippers roster for it to make a difference. It’s one of the oldest and slowest rosters in the league while being in a state of disarray. They just sent franchise legend Chris Paul home from their road trip and they’re about to give a lottery pick to the OKC Thunder in a loaded 2026 draft class. It’s hard to find an opponent that has struggled as much as the Clippers in recent weeks.
Clippers Are a Mess: Three Reasons atlanta Can Win This Game
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The Los Angeles Clippers are off to a disappointing start to the season, and the Atlanta Hawks are in a prime position to take advantage. Despite having stars like James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers are struggling on both ends of the court.Let’s break down three reasons why Atlanta can secure a win in this matchup.
The Clippers’ Offense is Struggling
Despite having James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers’ offense has looked toothless as of late. These two players are completely overtaxed and they aren’t receiving much support from anyone on the roster outside of Ivica Zubac.They’re 26th in points, 16th in FG%, 16th in 3P%, 1st in FT%, 26th in rebounds (26th in OREB, 24th in DREB), 28th in assists and 21st in turnovers per game. they’re 20th in offensive rating this season.
Their Defensive Identity is Gone
The Clippers have made the playoffs in the past two seasons primarily off the strength of their defense and ability to slow down opposing offenses. That identity has been completely shattered to start the season. They’re 22nd in points allowed, 22nd in FG% allowed, 29th in 3P% allowed, 10th in rebounds allowed, 17th in steals and 17th in blocks. Their lack of depth and atheleticism is why they’re 27th in defensive rating.
Three Reasons Atlanta Can Win This Game
## Hawks Soar Above clippers: A Tale of Pace and Depth
Atlanta completely outclasses LA in terms of their pace and transition play. They’re third in the NBA for points off of turnovers and fourth in fast-break points while LA is 26th in points given up off of turnovers and 29th in fast-break points given up. They just don’t have a lot of players who can run in transition and they’re in the bottom third of the NBA for turnovers. It isn’t a great formula for winning games and Atlanta should have a ton of easy buckets by virtue of just being more athletic than LA.
LA particularly struggles to find secondary sources of offense whereas Atlanta’s depth has been critical to their wins without Trae Young. James Harden is a good bet for a double-double and Kawhi Leonard is a threat to score 30+ points anytime he’s in the lineup. Conversely, the All-NBA season that Jalen Johnson is having is being supported by a career-best season from Nickeil Alexander-Walker and strong complementary seasons from Onyeka Okongwu, Vit Krejci and Mo Gueye. Dyson Daniels hasn’t been as good as he was last season, but his two-way impact still far outstrips anyone on the Clippers. That balanced approach to the team’s offense is why Atlanta leads the league in assists despite not having the 2024-25 assists leader in their starting lineup.
Zaccharie Risacher: Scouting Report and Potential Fit with the Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks are navigating an captivating period, balancing a desire to remain competitive with the need to build for the future. With the 2025 NBA Draft approaching, all eyes are on potential prospects who could contribute to that vision. One name consistently rising up draft boards is French forward Zaccharie Risacher.
Risacher, currently playing for JL Bourg in France’s LNB Pro A league, is a versatile wing with a skillset that translates well to the modern NBA. Standing around 6’9″, he possesses a fluid athleticism and a developing offensive game that has scouts intrigued.
Strengths:
* Shooting: Risacher is arguably the best shooter in the draft. He displays excellent form, a quick release, and impressive accuracy from beyond the arc. This is a highly coveted skill, and his ability to space the floor would immediately benefit the Hawks’ offense.
* off-Ball Movement: He doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective. Risacher excels at cutting, relocating, and finding open spots on the floor, making him a threat even without initiating the offense.
* Versatility: While primarily a wing, Risacher shows flashes of being able to guard multiple positions. His size and agility allow him to switch onto smaller players, while his length can bother opposing wings.
* Basketball IQ: Reports suggest a high level of understanding of the game. He makes smart decisions with the ball, reads defenses well, and demonstrates a willingness to learn.
Weaknesses:
* Physical Strength: He’s not overly strong, which can impact his ability to finish through contact and defend stronger opponents. Adding muscle mass will be crucial for his success in the NBA.
* Ball-Handling: While capable, his ball-handling isn’t elite. He needs to improve his ability to create his own shot off the dribble consistently.
* Defensive Consistency: His defensive potential is there, but he needs to become more consistent with his effort and positioning.
* limited Sample Size: Playing professionally in europe provides valuable experience, but the transition to the NBA’s pace and physicality will be a important adjustment.
how Risacher Fits with the Hawks:
The Hawks’ current roster features Trae Young and Jalen Johnson as core pieces. Risacher could complement them nicely. His shooting would alleviate pressure on Young, creating more driving lanes and spacing for the offense. His versatility would allow Quin Snyder to experiment with different lineups, potentially playing him alongside Johnson in a dynamic, athletic frontcourt.
Furthermore, Risacher’s timeline aligns with the Hawks’ potential rebuild. He’s a young prospect with significant upside, capable of contributing immediately while developing into a key player for years to come.
Overall:
Zaccharie Risacher is a high-potential prospect with a skillset that is highly valued in today’s NBA. While he has areas for advancement, his shooting, versatility, and basketball IQ make him a compelling option for the Atlanta Hawks. If available when they pick, Risacher could be a cornerstone piece in their quest to build a sustainable contender.
During the Hawks’ last matchup against the Clippers, they were incredibly reliant on an outlier shooting performance from Vit Krejci to win. Part of that stems from having to play Keaton Wallace 26 minutes,but it shouldn’t be completely dismissed how badly usual starters like Dyson Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher played against the Clippers. Both of those players need to be more aggressive against LA and capitalize on their open shots.
Injury Report
Atlanta Hawks: Trae Young, Kristaps Porzingis and Jacob Toppin are out.
los Angeles Clippers: Bradley Beal, Derrick Jones Jr and Bogdan Bogdanovic are out while Jordan Miller is questionable.
Boston Celtics Projected Starting Lineup
As the NBA season approaches, fans are eager to see how the Boston Celtics will perform. They’ve made some key moves, and predicting the starting lineup is a hot topic. Here’s a look at who’s likely to take the court when the Celtics tip off.
PG – Jrue Holiday
Jrue Holiday is expected to start at point guard. He’s a defensive powerhouse and a smart playmaker, which is exactly what the Celtics need. he’ll be crucial in controlling the tempo and distributing the ball.
SG – Derrick White
Derrick White should continue as the starting shooting guard. He’s a versatile player who can score, defend, and make good decisions with the ball. He’s become a vital part of the celtics’ core.
SF – Jaylen Brown
Jaylen Brown is a lock for the starting small forward position. He’s a dynamic scorer and has improved his all-around game significantly. The Celtics rely on his ability to create shots and attack the basket.
PF – Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum will undoubtedly start at power forward. He’s the Celtics’ leading scorer and a key offensive threat. He’s capable of taking over games and is a consistent performer.
C – Kristaps Porzingis
Kristaps Porzingis is projected to start at center. His size and shooting ability make him a unique and valuable asset. He’ll provide a strong interior presence and stretch the floor for the Celtics.
Potential Rotation Players:
Beyond the starting five,the Celtics have a strong bench. Players like Nickeil alexander-Walker and Zaccharie Risacher will likely see significant minutes, providing depth and versatility. Jalen Johnson is also expected to contribute.
This lineup gives the Celtics a good balance of scoring,defense,and playmaking. It’ll be interesting to see how they gel together and compete for a championship this season.