76ers vs Hawks Prediction
The Philadelphia 76ers travel to the State Farm Arena to take on the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers look to have cooled off from their eight-game win streak as they are now hoping to snap a two-game skid after getting beaten by the Celtics in a 117-107 loss on Wednesday. Joel Embiid led the team with 20 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, Tyrese Maxey added 20 points while Tobias Harris, Robert Covington and De'Anthony Melton scored 16 points each. As a team, the 76ers shot 45 percent from the field and 11 of 30 from the 3-point line as they clawed their way back from an early 17-point deficit, only to let it go in the third quarter where they managed just 17 points to allow the Celtics to pull away for good.
Atlanta Hawks
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks have been in good shape as they've won six of their last nine games overall, but they will be looking to bounce back here after coming up painfully short to the Knicks in a 116-114 loss on Wednesday. Bogdan Bogdanovic led the team in scoring with 28 points on eight of 15 shooting off the bench, Jalen Johnson added 18 points on seven of nine shooting while Trae Young tallied 15 points with 17 assists. As a team, the Hawks shot 54 percent from the field and 12 of 31 from the 3-point line as they poured in 34 points in the second quarter to erase an early 13-point deficit, but they just couldn't get enough stops in the clutch to get back in front of the Knicks before time ran out.
Atlanta Hawks Player Facts
- Trae Young ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for assists per game (10.9) this season.
- Jalen Johnson ranks 6th amongst qualified players for FG% (61.1%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Hawks rank 2nd in the league for free throws made per game this season (22.1).
- The Hawks rank 29th in the league for Q1 opponent points per game this season (32.5).
- The 76ers rank 1st in the league for free throws made per game this season (23.4).
- The 76ers rank T1st in the league for Q3 win percentage this season (72.7%).
Peter's Pick
The 76ers could be shorthanded in this one with Joel Embiid currently listed as questionable with hip soreness, so this could be a real chance for the Hawks to steal a win here. The 76ers are still one of the hottest teams in the league despite their last two losses and I'm sure they'll still get a big game from Maxey if Embiid isn't able to suit up. However, the Hawks have been playing some decent basketball lately and I'm sure they will be up for this contest at home. This should be a close one, but I'm leaning towards the Hawks to get the job done in front of their home crowd.
