After blowing a huge lead and their chance to go up 3-1 on the Hawks in Game 4, the Philadelphia 76ers have to regroup. The series is now all knotted up at 2-2. The Sixers head back to Philly with lots of pressure on them to win Game 5.
It's safe to say that either team could win this series given its unpredictability.
As Game 4 went on it became harder for the Sixers counter the Hawks' high-flying attack Monday night, especially with Trae Young posting 25 points and 18 assists to the lead the way for Atlanta. With Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons having their struggles late in Game 4, and the Sixers being unable to counter the Hawks fast-paced style of play, the pressure is on for them to regain control of the series in Game 5. On that note, let's check out four bold predictions on the outcome of Wednesday night's game in Philadelphia.
The Sixers Will Shoot The Lights Out
After a hot start to Game 4, the Sixers became stagnant and very inconsistent for duration of the night. Granted they only lost by three points, but they definitely need to have a more consistent and productive shooting night if they want to pull off a win in Game 5. Especially with the Hawks quick passing and 3-point shooting ability.
Seth Curry, Tobias Harris, Mattis Thybulle, Shake Milton, and Joel Embiid will all have to pitch on a balanced scoring effort that will push them one step closer to an eastern conference finals appearance. So definitely expect them to bring the heat all night long and put on an electrifying performance on the offensive end.
Sixers Will Bring More Tenacity to Perimeter Defense
Even with the Sixers throwing multiple double teams at Trae Young throughout the game, there were still plenty of possessions where they left open a killer 3-point shooter wide open. Bogdan Bogdanovic, John Collins, Kevin Huerter, and Lou Williams have all been slicing them up from 3-point land all series long, and in game 4 they all got hot and pitched in to the Hawks comeback victory that had them going toe-to-toe with one of the league's best defensive units.
With so much riding on this next game, the Sixers will need an all-out defensive effort from Simmons, Embiid, and the rest of their squad. Being able to minimize the Hawks scoring power by keeping them off the 3-point line as much as possible would do them justice and make all the difference.
Not an easy task by means, but if there's a defensive squad that could make this happen then it's the well-coached Sixers. Under Doc Rivers, this team will be able to overcome and regain the edge by reinforcing their smothering and tenacious defensive play that's done wonders for them for in previous postseasons wins this year.
The Hawks Get Another Road Win
Just when we all thought Philly would be pushing this young Hawks team to the brink and sending them home in five games, that's when Young, Collins, Bogdanovic, and the hot-handed Atlanta Hawks took over and pulled off a wild comeback to win the Game 5. Their electric shooting, powerful post play, and newly improved defense show how tough and relentless this team really can be when they're up against the wall.
It would not be surprising by any means if the Hawks pull off another road win to try and close this out in six or even force a Game 7. With this wild and unpredictable bunch powering their way through the ranks of the NBA's elite, there's no knowing what will happen, but it can be said that they're capable of pulling off another upset.
Ben Simmons Posts A Triple-Double For Sixers
Something that has been missing from this series is Simmons providing the Sixers with a consistent mix of playmaking, defense, and scoring that earns him a triple double and propels the Sixers to a big win. Well wait no more, because come tomorrow night that all could change and with the bitterness of Game 4 still on his mind, something definitely is going to change in Game 5.
Simmons will go all out and put on a historic performance to help get his team a much-needed win while posting big numbers all across the stat sheet. With the lethal shooters and great size on this Sixers team and his relentless determination to give Philly the edge in this series, Simmons will put on a show not to be missed.
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