The Philadelphia 76ers had high hopes to start the season but are merely 11-11. They are in a funk with nine losses in their last 12 games.
For those who bet online, they should note that there is an explanation: Star center Joel Embiid has played in only three of those games.
Still, they will desperately need to turn it around as they face off against a really hot Atlanta Hawks squad on Friday. The Hawks improved to 12-10 with a win over the Indiana Pacers in their most recent outing.
The three-point victory was a nice bounce back from their loss to the New York Knicks.
The 76ers blew out Atlanta earlier in the season but for NBA online betting purposes, it looks like the Hawks are in much better position now. Can they get revenge?
Philadelphia 76ers vs Atlanta Hawks
Why the 76ers Can Win
The fact that this 76ers team is still holding strong despite all of the bad breaks they have suffered is a positive.
Embiid missed time due to COVID-related issues and Ben Simmons still remains away from the team with the hopes of being traded.
Embiid has returned to the floor the last couple games and made this team far better. He has averaged 22.0 points and 10.9 rebounds, including a 42-point explosion against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The big man not only is a force to be reckoned with all over the offensive end of the court, but he is also a great rim protector.
Embiid averages 1.7 blocks and backup center Andre Drummond averages 1.2 blocks. Rim protection will be a huge plus for them against Trae Young and the Hawks.
Why the Hawks Can Win
The Atlanta Hawks have momentum and chemistry on their side right now. They have won eight of their last nine games after a 4-9 start.
Young continues to be one of the most consistent players in the NBA, averaging 26.3 points and 9.1 assists.
He has complete control of the offense on every possession and it makes it difficult to defend against. John Collins has emerged as an excellent No. 2 offensive option, averaging 16.5 points and 7.7 rebounds.
The depth is shining these days as players like Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kevin Huerter, Danilo Gallinari and Lou Williams are delivering in their various ways.
Outlook, Pick
It’s going to be a really fun matchup between two teams that were expected to be among the best in of the Eastern Conference.
The Hawks were blown out by Philly straight up and versus the NBA odds earlier in the season but that was when they didn’t have any type of rhythm. They were also on the road.
They like a different squad these days. With the 76ers bumbling along, the Hawks red-hot and Atlanta playing at home this time, the Hawks are the easy choice in the sportsbook.