Hawks vs Sixers: The Hawks Star Guards Need to Improve Their Efficiency

• The Atlanta Hawks enter this game off of a loss in their last game.
• The Philadelphia 76ers won their last game, despite heavy injuries.
• The Hawks and Sixers have split this year's season series, 1-1

Atlanta Hawks vs Philadelphia 76ers Predictions and Picks

Both teams enter this game with a number of injuries and are on the second leg of a back-to-back. While the Sixers earned an inspired win in their last game, the Hawks' perimeter threat should be the difference maker.

Picks:

Atlanta Hawks def. Philadelphia 76ers

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Head-to-Head: Atlanta Hawks vs Philadelphia 76ers

Injury Report

Atlanta Hawks Game Notes: The Hawks Star Guards Need to Improve Their Efficiency

The Atlanta Hawks, at this point in the season, could probably be considered a one-way team in terms of their ability. Their scoring, based purely around the play of guards Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, inform their chances at victory.

In their last game, a loss to the Miami Heat, Young and Murray struggled mightily. The backcourt pairing combined for 35 points, 16 assists, and 10 rebounds, but on 9 of 32 shooting from the field while committing 5 turnovers.

Young's ability to get to the free throw line made up for their struggles, but they need to be more efficient against a gritty Sixers team. The game is in their favor if you're considering injuries, but the Hawks surely can't take the disciplined Sixers lightly.

Hawks Key Player: (F) John Collins

The Atlanta Hawks are coming off of a loss in their last game, but John Collins stepped up when his star teammates were struggling. To beat the Sixers, Collins will need to maintain his high standard of play.

In his last game, Collins produced 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 steals on 11 of 17 shooting from the field and 1 of 4 shooting from three. On the season, Collins is averaging 12.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 31.9 minutes per game.

Collins' offence is a key to the Hawks' success, as he shoots 49.1% from the field in wins versus 44.3% from the field in losses. Efficiency is more important than volume for a player like Collins and will be key against a shorthanded Sixers team that wants to push the pace.

Philadelphia 76ers Game Notes: Push the Pace!

The Philadelphia 76ers are missing all three of their top players when they enter this match. They've been fortunate to have Shake Milton and Tobias Harris leading them, but their recent win should help lay the blueprint for how to beat the Hawks.

The Sixers are severely lacking in terms of individual playmaking, so in their last game they took to the break to beat the Magic. In their 133-103 win over the Magic, Philadelphia outscored their opponents 26-16 on the break and 72-44 in the paint.

Against a Hawks team that's thin in the middle without Capela, the Sixers need to attack the rim. The more points they can find in transition will improve their chance at victory while helping them avoid their halfcourt limitations.

Sixers Key Player: (G) Shake Milton

Throughout the Philadelphia 76ers' recent injury struggles, head coach Doc Rivers has found some excellent production from fifth-year guard Shake Milton. Having to take on more of a lead guard's role, Milton has thrived.

On the season, Milton is averaging 9.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists on 52.3% from the field and 40.0% from three. However, over his last five games, Milton has averaged 20.8 points, 6.4 assists, and 6.2 rebounds on 55.7% from three and 47.8% from three-point range.

The Atlanta Hawks aren't the model for a defensive team in the NBA, but their ability to defend the three-point line is definitely a strength. If Milton can manufacture good opportunities for his shooters, while also converting efficiently on his own shots, the Sixers can find another win.

How to Watch Atlanta Hawks vs Philadelphia 76ers

• Who: Atlanta Hawks & Philadelphia 76ers
• Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA
• When: 7:00 PM EST, Monday, November 28, 2022
• How to Watch: NBA TV, NBA League Pass (Stream)