The Atlanta Hawks look to keep the good vibes going as they host the struggling Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night.
The duo of Dejounte Murray and Trae Young have given the Atlanta Hawks one of the best backcourts in the league, and they have been rolling most of the early going.
Meanwhile, the 76ers have struggled to get things going despite returning nearly everyone back last year’s 51-win team, plus adding much-needed 3-point shooting with the addition of De’Anthony Melton and P.J. Tucker.
Matchup General Information
Tomorrow is the first of three meetings between the 76ers and Hawks, with Atlanta making the return trip to Philadelphia on Saturday.
Thursday night’s tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, GA. NBA TV will provide the coverage. Read on for our 76ers vs Hawks prediction.
Last Game Records
Atlanta is playing the second of a back-to-back as the Hawks host the Utah Jazz on Thursday.
Atlanta has not played the most daunting of schedules; nevertheless, the Hawks are 7-3 and sit among the top four teams in the Eastern Conference.
Atlanta is coming off an impressive 117-91 victory over Milwaukee, the third win in a row, despite Young sitting out with a shin injury.
The Hawks did nearly everything right in the game as they outshot and out-rebounded the Bucks while also holding Giannis Antetokounmpo pretty much in check.
Murray posted his second double-double of the year with 25 points and 11 dimes, while rookie A.J. Griffin contributed a season-high 24 points on 10 of 15 shooting.
Philadelphia (5-6) has gotten off to a surprisingly slow start though they have had some pretty tough NBA matchups. The 76ers standings tied for ninth in the Eastern Conference.
Similarly to Atlanta, Philadelphia is coming off a big win on Monday by downing Phoenix 100-88. Joel Embiid dumped in 33 points and grabbed ten rebounds in his first action in more than a week as the 76ers snapped a two-game skid. Tobias Harris and Georges Niang each chipped in 21 points.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Atlanta Hawks Betting Analysis
The 76ers and Hawks are very similar in style and philosophy. Both have dynamic guards, when healthy, and a big player who can dominate around the rim and on the glass though the Hawks don’t have anyone who can match up to Embiid.
Each team also has a solid role guy that starts in Tobias Harris and DeAndre Hunter.
The are two key matchups that could decide the 76ers vs Hawks prediction. Young or Murray against Tyrese Maxey and the tandem of John Collins/Clint Capela versus Embiid.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers struggled shooting the ball inside the arc early in the season, but that was because the Sixers stood around while James Harden and Embiid played one-on-one.
The 76ers have done a better job with player and ball movement lately, and that has led to increased shooting percentages, per NBA team stats.
However, they shot below 39% in each of the last two games. They still don’t rebound the ball well.
Embiid Performance Recap
Embiid has missed four games this season, but he has still put up some of the best NBA player stats. Embiid leads the way for the Sixers at:
- 24.0 points
- 9.6 rebounds
- 3.5 assists
- 1.1 blocks
Maxey has demonstrated that he is truly Philadelphia’s second-best player, and his production truly takes off when either Embiid or Harden are out.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks like to push the pace as both Young and Murray like to race down the court, and they thrive in the open court.
Murray’s Performance Recap
Murray’s addition has not only given the Hawks more quickness and another ball-handler/ playmaker to the Hawks, but he has also added toughness and a shutdown perimeter defender.
The Hawks particularly do an outstanding job at guarding the 3-point line.
Murray and Young lead the way for the Hawks, combining for over 50 points, nearly 18 assists, and ten boards a game.
Hunter, known as a 3-D guy, has had a nice bounce-back season thus far after struggling last season. He produces 14.4 points while shooting 47.1% from the field and 41.0% from deep.
NBA Injury Report
Philadelphia has two players listed on the NBA injury report. Harden (right foot strain) remains out for the foreseeable future.
Danuel House Jr. (illness) has missed the past two games and is listed as questionable for Thursday. Young is expected to return to action against the Jazz on Wednesday or Thursday.
Meanwhile, Bogdan Bogdanovic (knee) has been ruled out for Wednesday and is likely to play on Thursday.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Atlanta Hawks Betting Preview
With everyone healthy and playing optimal basketball, this matchup is must-see TV. However, with injuries and the fact that the Hawks will be playing a second straight game, the anticipation drops off a little. Still, this contest should still be entertaining.
The 76ers vs Hawks prediction will likely come down to who can limit the effectiveness of the other team’s star. Both Embiid and Young have had big games against their opponents.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Atlanta Hawks Betting Prediction
This 76ers-Hawks matchup is one of the better games on the NBA schedule for Thursday.
Both teams entered the campaign with high hopes though the Hawks are the only ones currently living up to the expectations of possible Eastern Conference champs.
While there is still plenty of time for the 76ers to “right the ship, our 76ers vs Hawks picks are leaning toward Atlanta. The Hawks have been much better at home since the team traded for Young.
NBA Pick: Hawks -3 (-110)
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