Hawks vs Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are surprisingly 12-0 in the postseason against the Atlanta Hawks. During this time they had the greatest player in the NBA on their team, LeBron James. This time around things is much different. The Cavaliers have a young team led by All-Star Darius Garland and Rookie of the Year Candidate Evan Mobley.
Garland is a certified bucket getter, averaging 21.7 points and 8.6 assists. While Rookie Evan Mobley is ahead of his time showing flashes of an All-Star in the making.
The Cavaliers are coming off a loss to Brooklyn Nets. In a game where rookie Evan Mobley scored 19 points and veteran Kevin Love finished with a double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds.
The Atlanta Hawks have proven they are ready for the moment, with a blowout victory over the Charlotte Hornets Wednesday night. Not only did the Hawks win impressively, but they also had six players score in double figures.
Hawks Trae Young is averaging 28.4 points and 9.7 assists. Expect a high-scoring game that could come down to the wire. According to the ESPN power index, the Hawks are favored to win by 50.6%
Cavaliers Center Jarrett Allen (finger) has been listed as questionable vs the Hawks. His presence will help the Cavs keep Trey Young out of the post.
Pelicans vs Clippers
The New Orleans Pelicans are coming off a win over a well-coached San Antonio Spurs team that fought hard to the end. CJ McCollum rose to the occasion in his first postseason run in a new uniform with 32 points 7 assists and 6 rebounds. While Brandon Ingram returned from a hamstring strain scoring 27 points 5 assists and 5 rebounds.
Paul George and the Clippers suffered a devastating loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In a game where the player they trade away, Patrick Beverly scored the game-winning shot, to send them home packing.
According to the ESPN power index, the Clippers are favored to win by 71.0%
The New Orlean Pelicans are facing an uphill battle without their star player Zion Williamson in the lineup. McCollum is averaging 21.3 points and 3.6 rebounds over the last 10 games. Williamson recently stunted social media with a 360 windmill dunk. But is still out indefinitely, progressing well, and is continuing controlled 5 on 5 workouts.