Place a wager on an exciting, high-scoring game between the Hawks and Sixers on Wednesday in Atlanta.
On Wednesday night, the Philadelphia 76ers will revisit the Hawks in the Eastern Conference semifinals of 2021 when they travel to Atlanta.
Regretfully, following their incredible Conference Finals Run, the Hawks haven’t accomplished anything.
The Hawks finished the next two seasons with a total record of 84-80, and they are currently playing a pitiful 14-21 this year.
Over the last 20 years, the 76ers have produced more consistent success than the Hawks, despite never making it to the conference finals. The Sixers, trailing Joel Embiid, are a constant challenger.
Unfortunately, Embiid has been ruled out of this game, so you won’t be seeing him in this one.
De’Andre Hunter won’t be present either. On the injury report, Trae Young and Clint Capela are now classified as “day-to-day” due to their injuries.
With the uncertainty surrounding the injuries, this one is difficult to handicap. However, upheaval frequently presents an opportunity.
You can count on the Hawks to play quickly no matter who is on the court.
Atlanta is third in the NBA in terms of average offensive possession length and fifth in terms of pace. The Hawks, who rank sixth in adjusted offensive rating and 28th in adjusted defensive rating, are known for their propensity for shootouts.
Regardless of who plays, Atlanta games are 21-13-1 to the Over this season, and I anticipate more of the same on Wednesday because the Hawks will play swiftly, score rapidly, and not play defence.
Unexpectedly, this year’s Sixers games are 21-14 to the Over. They play somewhat slow defence, yet they are consistently competitive night after night.
Without Embiid, scoring against Philadelphia ought to be simple. He is a key component of Philly’s interior defence, averaging two blocks per game and generating an estimated defensive plus-minus of +3.5 this season (99th percentile).
The Hawks should get more open looks at the hoop as a result of Embiid’s absence.
Rim-running isn’t the main reason I’m backing the Over, though.
In terms of transition points added per 100 possessions (3.2) and transition frequency (16%), the Sixers are ranked eighth in the NBA. The Hawks also rank sixth in terms of transition points added per 100 possessions (3.4) and fifth in terms of transition frequency (17%).
In contrast, the Hawks are ranked 28th in terms of transition PPP allowed (1.34) and 26th in terms of allowed transition frequency. In terms of allowed transition frequency (16%) and allowed transition PPP (1.33), the Sixers are ranked 25th overall.
