The NBA is back, and bettors could have a great game tonight with the Atlanta Hawks taking on the Philadelphia 76ers in an Eastern Conference battle. With the playoffs getting close in two months, these two teams could have a close game for a potential playoff spot.
The Hawks are coming off a decent first half with a play-in spot, while the 76ers are having a bounce-back season but have hit bumps to end the first half. With the second half of the season kicking off tonight, bettors could have a strong game with the Atlanta Hawks and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Game Details
Date: February 19
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
TV/Streaming: FanDuel Sports Network Southeast, NBC Sports Philadelphia, NBA League Pass
Odds: Atlanta Hawks -118, ATL-1.5, o/u 237.5
Team Form & Recent Results
Atlanta Hawks Recent Form
- Atlanta is coming off a loss to end the first half of the season with a three-game losing streak, and won five of ten.
- The Atlanta Hawks are holding the tenth seed in the Eastern Conference and holding a play-in spot.
- Atlanta’s offense has been fast-paced with being second in pace, scoring ninth in PPG, and first in assists.
- Jalen Johnson has been the Hawks’ best player, scoring 23.4 PTS, with ten rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game.
Philadelphia 76ers Recent Form
- The 76ers are coming off a crushing loss to the Knicks and have a two-game losing streak before the end of the first half.
- Philadelphia is sixth in the Eastern Conference, and needs a win to stay in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
- The Sixers stats are pedestrian, with scoring 116 PPG, placing them 13th in the league, with being fourth in FT%, and ninth in offensive rebounds.
- Tyrese Maxley has been a star for the Sixers, scoring 28.9 PTS per game, with 4.1 rebounds, and 6.8 assists.
Key Storylines
- The Atlanta Hawks won’t have Jonathan Kuminga ready for tonight’s game, while the Sixers won’t have Joel Embiid due to injury and Paul George due to suspension.
- Atlanta is coming with a three-game losing streak, while the Sixers have a two-game losing streak and both teams are hoping to snap them.
- The Hawks’ offense is facing a slow team in the Sixers, compared to being second in pace.
- Las Vegas is favoring the Atlanta Hawks due to the health of the roster, along with the Sixers not having depth in the forward and center positions.
Players to Watch
Atlanta Hawks
- Dyson Daniels
- In the loss to the Hornets, Daniels scored 21 points, with three rebounds and four assists.
- The veteran guard for the Hawks is having a solid season, scoring 11.6 PPG, with 6.5 rebounds, and
Philadelphia 76ers
- Dominick Barlow
- In the loss to the Knicks, Barlow scored 13 points with four rebounds and one assist.
- The Sixers four year veteran forward has been a solid bench player, scoring 8.5 PPG, with 1.2 assists, and 5.0 rebounds a game.
Matchup Breakdown
Offense vs. Defense
The Atlanta Hawks this season, despite their weak record, have had a solid offense since trading Trae Young. Atlanta has been shooting the ball well, with being ninth in 3PT FG and sixth-best 3PT FG%, along with first in assists. Atlanta has also been having a poor defense, being 18th in the league, but could steal the show with 9.3 steals per game, being fifth in the league.
While the Hawks offense has been playing well, the 76ers offense has been having a resurgent season, despite being at the bottom in FG%, could rebound the ball, and are 13th in offensive ratings. The Sixers are also a solid defensive team, being 15th in the league in defensive rating.
Coaching / Strategy Notes
For the Atlanta Hawks to win, they need to outpace the Sixers and have a strong offensive game from Johnson. Atlanta has been a fast-paced team, and could easily outscore the Sixers with the injuries they have tonight.
For the Sixers to win this game, they need to control the pace against the Hawks and force them to turn the ball over. Philly also needs a strong game from their guards tonight due to the Hawks’ defense being poor this season.
Prediction
Prediction: Atlanta Hawks 119, Philadelphia 76ers 110
How to Watch
- TV channel/Local broadcasts:
- Streaming: NBA League Pass
- Radio: SiriusXM
FAQ SECTION
Q: What time is the [Atlanta Hawks] vs. [Philadelphia 76ers] game?
A: [The time for the Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers game will be at 7:00 PM.]
Q: Who is favored to win?
A: [The Atlanta Hawks are the favorites to win in Vegas eyes, due to the injuries and suspensions of crucial 76ers players.]
Q: Where is the game being played?
A: [Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA]
Q: What are the betting odds?
A: [(Atlanta Hawks -118, ATL-1.5, o/u 237.5)]
Conclusion
With the game potentially being a close one for bettors, it’s safe to pick the Atlanta Hawks due to being faster than the Sixers and not having many injuries to the lineup. Atlanta has been playing well this season, and trading Young has helped them, while the Sixers are dealing with issues that could hurt them in the second half.
Bettors could see the Hawks win and barely cover against the Sixers due to both teams having flaws on their defense. With the NBA back in action, the Atlanta Hawks and the Philadelphia 76ers could have a strong game tonight.
