The Atlanta Hawks host the Philadelphia 76ers tonight at 7:30 PM EST for game 6 in the State Farm Arena.
After their disappointing meltdown in game 4, the 76ers were expected to make a comeback in game 5. Initially, it seemed like they were headed towards the right direction. With Embiid dominating in the paint and Seth Curry shooting lights out from the perimeter, the 76ers took an incredible 26-point lead in the third quarter and had a 99.7% probability to win the game.
But all hell broke loose in the fourth quarter as the 76ers looked lost. The Hawks, who were having a disappointing performance in the first three quarters, came back and scored 42 points in the very last quarter of the game and ultimately made one of the best comebacks of this NBA season.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Given the number of moves the Sixers had made, they were rightfully favorites to win, but if they continue to choke like they did in the last two games, they might be heading out of the East.
The Atlanta Hawks meanwhile have arguably been the most surprising team in the playoffs. Despite being heavy underdogs in the match-up against the Sixers, the Hawks shocked everyone when they came back from a 18 point deficit and tied the series.
This time around, Trae Young and Co. did the impossible. Down 26-points in the third quarter, the Hawks went ballistic in the fourth quarter and ultimately won the game 109-106.
While Trae Young continued his incredible playoff form with 39 points, it was players like Lou Williams and Danilo Gallinari who stepped up and added 32 points off of the bench. If the Hawks want to tie the series, they will need to continue to put on an all-round display against the 76ers.
Predictions
This series certainly has been a roller coaster ride so far with both the teams taking turns in leading the series. While the Hawks do have a 3-2 lead in the series, there is no denying the star power Philly have.
If Doc Rivers led Sixers do not have yet another collapse, their star power might just be enough to push this series to a seventh game despite the Hawks having home court advantage.
Philadelphia 76ers injury updates and lineup prediction
The 76ers will be missing a key player in veteran 3 & D starter Danny Green who is recovering from a calf injury. With two meltdowns in a row, the 76ers certainly have their backs against the wall and will have to put in their best foot forward in the State Farm Arena if they want to force a game 7.
Probable Lineup
Ben Simmons (G)
Seth Curry (G)
Furkan Korkmaz (F)
Tobias Harris (F)
Joel Embiid (C)
Atlanta Hawks injury updates and lineup prediction
The Hawks will miss three key players against the 76ers. Cam Reddish is out with an Achilles injury while guard Brandon Goodwin is sidelined due to illness. De’Andre Hunter is sidelined for the rest of the playoffs with a knee injury.
Probable Lineup
Trae Young (G)
Bogdan Bogdanovic (G)
DeAndre Hunter (F)
John Collins (F)
Clint Capela (C)
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Who will win between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Atlanta Hawks? Let us know in the comments below.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad