The Atlanta Hawks flew high in Game 1, stealing a win in the City of Brotherly Love. Will the Philadelphia 76ers avoid falling down a 0-2 series hole? Or, will Trae Young and company soar to another victory?
Catch this game live on Wednesday, June 9, at 7:30 AM, Manila time.
HOME TEAM: Philadelphia 76ers (0-1, 0-1 at home)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Ben Simmons
- SG: Seth Curry
- SF: Danny Green
- PF: Tobias Harris
- C: Joel Embiid
What minor meniscus tear? Joel Embiid made sure to show he’s in his MVP form despite a recent issue with his knee, as he poured in 39 points to go with nine rebounds, four assists, and three blocks, albeit in a 128-124 loss in the series opener.
Still, seeing Embiid play the way he did in Game 1 offers Philly a tremendous boost, as the team looks to rebound and even the series up. Atlanta doesn’t have a solid answer for Embiid, even with Clint Capela in the middle for the Hawks.
Just expect the Sixers to keep getting the ball to Embiid, though their 3-point shooting has to improve after going just 10 of 29 from deep in the loss to Atlanta A major defensive adjustment is also expected to be made by the Sixers, with the team seemingly keen on putting Ben Simmons on Trae Young, who run circles around Danny Green in Game 1.
The Sixers are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games after failing to beat the spread in the previous contest.
ROAD TEAM: Atlanta Hawks (1-0 1-0 on the road)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Trae Young
- SG: Bogdan Bogdanovic
- SF: Kevin Huerter
- PF: John Collins
- C: Clint Capela
If you’re still not buying Trae Young in the playoffs, that’s on you. Young has been playing fantastic basketball so far in the postseason. After going off for 35 points with 10 assists in Game 1 against the Sixers, Young has managed to raise his playoff averages to 30.2 points and 9.8 assists per game.
He should be prepared for a tougher go in Game 2, though. As mentioned earlier, Simmons is up to the challenge of hounding Young. That being said, Young mopped the floor in the first round of the playoffs with the supposedly suffocating defense of the New York Knicks, so it leaves much doubt whether the Sixers will actually have significant success in containing the former Oklahoma Sooners star.
Plus, the Hawks spread the floor so well that they could loosen up whatever defensive plan Philly has in store for Young. In Game 1, the Hawks went 20 of 47 from long distance.
The Hawks are 4-1 ATS in their last five games as an underdog in the playoffs.
PREDICTIONS:
Spread:
The Sixers are a much better bunch than the Knicks. Embiid and company will get back up and score a win to tie the series up. Take Philadelphia to win and cover -5.
Over/Under:
The Sixers scored 124 points in Game 1 despite a horrible shooting line on their 3-point shots. The Hawks will continue their scoring spree, as well, but it’s Philly’s time in Game 2. Take the Over 222.5.
