The Philadelphia 76ers will look to move a win closer to advancing to the Eastern Conference finals when they take on the Atlanta Hawks this Tuesday. Will the Sixers score their third win in a row in the series? Or, will the Hawks make it 2-2?
Catch this game live on Tuesday, June 15, at 7:30 AM, Manila time
HOME TEAM: Atlanta Hawks (1-2, 1-1 at home)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Trae Young
- SG: Bogdan Bogdanovic
- SF: Solomon Hill
- PF: John Collins
- C: Clint Capela
For the first time in this postseason, the Hawks find themselves trailing in a series after losing to Philly in Game 3 at home, 127-111. The top priority for this Atlanta team is to find a way to contain Joel Embiid.
That’s a tall order, but it’s Embiid who’s been inflicting the most damage on them in the series. However, the Hawks can also soften the blow of Embiid by countering with a robust offense. They shot just 6 of 23 from behind the arc in Game 3, making it hard for them to loosen up Philly’s defense.
For Game 4, the Hawks must find their rhythm from deep early. Danilo Gallinari, who shot 5 of 9 from long distance in Game 2, was 0 of 4 in Game 3, while Kevin Huerter was also just 1 of 5 on his 3-point attempts.
Trae Young is already carrying a heavy load, and up against a very balanced Sixers team, he definitely needs more consistency from his teammates, especially on offense. The Hawks have covered the spread in seven of the last 10 games, which stretches back to the regular season.
ROAD TEAM: Philadelphia 76ers (2-1, 1-1 on the road)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Ben Simmons
- SG: Seth Curry
- SF: Furkan Korkmaz
- PF: Tobias Harris
- C: Joel Embiid
Clint Capela isn’t the answer to Joel Embiid for the Hawks. There’s no shame in admitting that if you’re Atlanta. After all, no one has really figured out a way to stop Embiid outside of his own body. Even though Embiid is not at full strength, he’s done nothing but dominate the Hawks in the second round.
So far in the matchup, he is averaging 35.3 points per game on 53.3 FG% while also pulling down 10.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists. Hawks defenders are biting on his 3-point shot fakes and tumble down the floor whenever he tries to attack the rim or post-up. He is simply a walking luxury for the Sixers, who are scoring 123. Points on 55.2 FG% and 42.1 3FG% in the series.
The Sixers will be missing Danny Green for multiple weeks, but Philly should still be fine. Tobias Harris, Ben Simmons, and Seth Curry have been solid so far, while Furkan Korkmaz is ready to cover the hole temporarily left by Green. Korkmaz had 14 points and three triples in Game 3.
The Sixers are 11-4-1 ATS in their last 16 games as a road favorite.
PREDICTIONS:
Spread: The Sixers are humming, but don’t count out the Hawks just yet. Take the Hawks to cover (+3.5).
Over/Under: I see the Hawks shooting better and being more aggressive. Embiid and the Sixers, meanwhile, will continue to put up points. Take the Over (225.5).
