The Philadelphia 76ers are up 2-1 on the Atlanta Hawks after three games of their second-round series. The Sixers have momentum on their side ahead of Monday night’s matchup after two consecutive wins. The Hawks will need to make the necessary adjustments to tie the series on their home floor.
The Hawks jumped out in Game 1 by putting the Sixers on the ropes early. They shared the ball on offense and got plenty of open opportunities from beyond the 3-point line. Despite Philadelphia's late rally in the second half, Atlanta was able to hold them off thanks to 35 points from Trae Young along with 21 points each from John Collins and Bogdan Bogdanovic.
Sixers head coach Doc Rivers made sure to make the adjustments necessary to tie the series before heading to Atlanta. One of the top priorities for Rivers’ defense was to slow down Trae Young. The Hawks as a team tend to get their momentum based off Young’s shot creation and decision-making.
With the Sixers' defense becoming a top priority, the offense has taken care of itself. Joel Embiid has continued to be a monster, averaging 35.3 points per game so far in this series. The Sixers have also continued to get contributions from others in Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris, Seth Curry and others, though Danny Green is now out for the series with an injury.
Game 4 will be a close matchup that will determine the trajectory of this series. Can Philadelphia take a commanding 3-1 series lead or will Atlanta tie things up? Here are a few bold predictions for this pivotal Sixers-Hawks Game 4.
1. Ben Simmons triple-double
The Sixers are close to unstoppable when both of their stars are playing at a high level. Ben Simmons has not had a monster-scoring game this series, but he continues to impact the game from different areas of the floor. In Game 3, Simmons was a leading factor with 18 points, seven assists and was a plus-14 on the floor for his team.
Not only should Simmons have a big scoring night, but his ability to facilitate and crash the boards will also be important. Not to mention his perimeter defense against Trae Young and Atlanta’s perimeter scorers will continue to be clutch. Simmons will need to set the tone for his team by continuing to provide effort on both ends in order for another Sixers victory.
2. Bogdan Bogdanovic a monster performance
Atlanta’s wing shooters have been excellent throughout this postseason. The ability to knock down 3-point shots helped tremendously in the first round and in Game 1. One of the key shooters who will need to have a big game is Bogdan Bogdanovic. The sharpshooter has been solid in the first three games of the series, but he will need to elevate to help Atlanta tie the series.
The Sixers’ main priority on defense will once again be to slow down Trae Young. The opportunity will allow Bogdanovic to come up huge on the offensive end. Bogdanovic is one of the most trusted players for Nate McMillan because he isn't afraid to come up big in clutch situations. He did so in Game 1 by knocking down a big-time 3 late in the game.
Coach McMillan should look to get Bogdanovic open looks early in the offense. His 3-point shooting could provide a spark for the rest of the role players. Bogdanovic having an efficient night will be crucial for Atlanta to tie the series.
3. Joel Embiid vs. Trae Young will determine winner
Joel Embiid and Trae Young have been two of the top players in the 2021 NBA Playoffs. One of these stars will need to outshine the other in order for their team to get a win.
Can Embiid have another monster double-double performance? Or how about Young having the ability to initiate the offense and break this Sixers defense? Both of these players have capabilities of taking over games when needed to. As these two approach Game 4, they both understand that they will need to become more than great with so much on the line.
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