Atlanta at Los Angeles

A long road trip for Atlanta, the start of a four game trip out West. This team is in the middle of the pack defensively to start, but they have been very strong on defense the last few years, leaning on that as a strength. They are rounding into form, going 2-0 UNDER the total the last two games, slowing the pace down. They topped Indiana allowing 86 points (allowing 9 points in one quarter) and lost to the defending champs as the offense scored 89 points in both games. They held Miami to 42 first half points the last game and are trying to redefine their offense after the Hawks dealt perennial All-Star Joe Johnson to Brooklyn during the offseason. When the Hawks play a good team they really slow the pace down and play tough defense as the UNDER is 9-4 in Hawks last 13 games vs. a team with a winning percentage above .600.  They won't want to get into a running game with the first place L.A. Clippers, a team playing better defense this season allowing .439% shooting.  They are off a win at Portland allowing 90 points and just 39 in the first half. Look for more defense in the first half and a slower pace than oddsmakers expect. Play the Hawks/Clippers First Half UNDER the total.