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Embiid, Sixers to Return to Form in Game 5

Series vs Hawks Tied at 2-2

There were plenty of excuses to go around after the Philadelphia 76ers broke down and got upset in Game 4 against the Atlanta Hawks. Joel Embiid, who had been nearly unstoppable, missed all 12 of his shots in the second half and was limited to just 17 points. But despite his horrible night, the Hawks won by just three points.

(Embed video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9sQVYcz1Po)

Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots a three-point basket against the Atlanta Hawks
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP

The Sixers return home as -250 betting favorites and the Hawks are +210 underdogs with a point spread of six points. Not much stake is being put on Philly’s loss and they are -290 to win the series. They’ll put Game 4 behind them and go back to business.

If you want more on NBA odds and NBA lines, you can always find more on our site.

Hawks: Give Us Some Credit

The Atlanta Hawks have gotten this far thanks to having chips on their shoulders. That’s an intangible that has allowed Atlanta to win two close games against the heavily favored 76ers. Atlanta shot just 36.6 percent from the field yet got it done on the other end to even the series.

Atlanta limited Philadelphia to 25 percent shooting from deep in the second half. It also limited the trio of Embiid, forward Tobias Harris, and guard Seth Curry to a combined 14 points after halftime. It was a grind of a game, but the Hawks came out on top.

They’ll need to replicate this defensive performance in enemy turf, where they are giving up an average of 123 points to Philadelphia and nearly 40 points to Embiid.

 

Sixers: Just a Hiccup

It was a big hiccup, but the Philadelphia 76ers can move on and take solace in the fact that even at their worst, the Hawks barely won. Embiid, still hampered by a knee injury, was ineffective and could barely jump. But the Sixers have already shown they can win without him as they closed out Washington.

Atlanta is a higher-level opponent and can play both ways on the floor. But the Sixers will have to get Harris and guard Ben Simmons to have a bigger impact in the game. Harris is averaging 23.2 points and 8.8 rebounds while shooting 53.8 percent. He exploded for 37 points in Game 1 against Washington, showing he can be the man.

Simmons will also need to contribute more on offense. Even if he’s just shooting 34.9 percent from the line, he should keep attacking to whittle down Clint Capela and the Hawks’ defense. If the Sixers stay aggressive, they can out grind the Hawks and win.

Pick: Shifting Gears

Now comes the true test of the Sixers. With Embiid being unable to do much, they can’t entirely rely on him to carry their scoring load or even to lock down the paint. Still, Embiid has been bothered by the knee injury and has posted some monster numbers.

Embiid may be good to score 20 points and grab 10 boards. But the Sixers will need a better shooting performance from everyone. Thankfully, they’re scoring a lot better at home than in the State Farm Arena, which has been difficult to play in for road teams.

If Embiid can play like he did in the first three games, Philadelphia will blow out the Hawks. If he’s hampered, this may go down to the wire and the Hawks have had Philly’s number in tight situations. Backing Philly, take them to win confidently on the NBA betting odds.

Pick: Philadelphia 76ers -6

Bonus Pick: High Flying

The Hawks have recorded the highest scoring quarter in three of the four games of the series. This team goes through ebbs and flows and can score as few as 19 points then blow up and drop 36 the next quarter. Philadelphia is more consistent, but if any team is recording a high quarter, it could be Atlanta.

Pick: Team With Highest Scoring Quarter – Hawks (+165)

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