The Atlanta Hawks secured a significant victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night at home, improving their record to 12-8. With this win, the Hawks have triumphed in three of their last four games, and they are eager to extend this successful streak as they head on the road to face the Philadelphia 76ers later tonight.
As the game approaches, both teams have announced their starting lineups. For the Hawks, the starting five includes guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker, guard Dyson Daniels, forward Zaccharie Risacher, forward Jalen Johnson, and center Onyeka Okongwu. The 76ers will counter with guard Tyrese Maxey, guard VJ Edgecombe, forward Paul George, forward Dominick Barlow, and center Joel Embiid.
In a recent game preview, analyst Rohan Raman provided insights into the Hawks’ season so far, highlighting their recovery after a previous setback against the Wizards. The team has shown a solid performance against the Cavaliers, ranking 16th in total points, 5th in field goal percentage, and 9th in three-point shooting. However, they are struggling in rebounding, ranking 25th overall, which could be an area of concern as they face the 76ers. Despite this, the Hawks are thriving in ball distribution, holding the top spot in assists and maintaining a decent turnover rate.
Defensively, while the Hawks managed to mitigate the Cavaliers’ scoring, they struggled against Donovan Mitchell, who exploded for 42 points. Atlanta currently ranks 15th in points allowed and 13th in field goal percentage allowed, showing strength in steals and blocks but still needing improvement in rebounding defense.
On the other hand, the 76ers’ offense leans heavily on the duo of Tyrese Maxey and their backcourt, but they have felt the impact of injuries to key players, including Embiid and George. Although George has made a return, he remains on a minutes restriction, which limits Philadelphia’s offensive potential. The 76ers are sitting at 17th in overall points and struggling to find consistency.
When it comes to defense, the 76ers generally excel when Embiid is healthy, but his absence alongside a lack of elite defensive contributors means that their defensive capabilities fall to slightly below average, even though they are the best shot-blocking team in the league.
As both teams prepare for what promises to be an intriguing matchup, the Hawks will look to capitalize on their recent successes, while the 76ers aim to harness their home advantage and navigate the challenges posed by injuries. This game offers a crucial opportunity for Atlanta to not only maintain their momentum but also prove their capabilities against a wounded yet formidable opponent.