Hawks Sixers NBA PlayoffsThe Eastern Conference Semifinals are all set as we watch the final four teams look to advance to the Conference Finals. The Philadelphia 76ers keep their playoff hopes alive as they eliminated the Washington Wizards in five games in the first round. But they have the Atlanta Hawks in front of him, who look to continue to prove doubters moving forward.
The Hawks shocked the world with an impressive five-game series win over the New York Knicks. It was a series where Trae Young became an official villain in New York City. The Hawks came together as a collective defensively to slow the Knicks down. Because of that, they were able to win by double digits in three of the four wins.
Philadelphia won two of the three matchups against Atlanta in the regular season. Despite those circumstances, the Hawks will believe they have a better chance of eliminating the Sixers. As head coach Nate MacMillan prepared his team against a tough Knicks team, he will make the same proper adjustments against a Philadelphia team that thrives off easy opportunities. It may seem impossible for the Hawks to pull off, but there are a few ways where they can eliminate the Philadelphia 76ers from the playoffs.
Trae Young continue to be the driving force
Young doesn't have to be the villain of the series, but he must continue to be the leader who makes all of the decisions. Young’s high level of play is the biggest reason why the Hawks beat the Knicks in five games. Young’s scoring along with his playmaking opened up new opportunities for Atlanta to build on their leads through most of the series.
Because of Young’s versatility, his teammates were able to benefit tremendously from his assertiveness. Coach McMillan was able to get great production from players in Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kevin Huerter, Clint Capela, and others. As long as Young orchestrates things on the offensive end, the rest of his team will follow in his lead.
The Hawks will take advantage of a hobbled Embiid
In game four of their first-round series, Sixers star Joel Embiid left in the first half with a knee injury. He would also sit out for game five as the Sixers closed out the Wizards. If Embiid isn't available or hobbled during the series, it gives Atlanta an advantage to attack Philadelphia and close the series early.
The Sixers have had championship aspirations since the beginning of this season. But like other teams in the NBA, they'll have to play through injuries. Embiid’s possible absence or lack of assertiveness will open opportunities for Clint Capela, John Collins, and other frontcourt players to be in attack mode. A hobbled Embiid will mean the Hawks attack the paint and look to break down Philadelphia defensively.
John Collins should step up as a second option
Now that the Hawks are advancing, this is an opportunity for John Collins to continue to elevate his play. Although Young will be the tone-setter for the team, it will be up to Collins to follow his co-stars lead. Collin’s assertiveness on both ends of the floor can give the Hawks a better chance of winning the series.
Collins averaged 12.2 points in the first round. With a player of his caliber, he should have more opportunities to score as the second option for the team. Coach MacMillan should make it a priority to keep Collins happy by allowing him to have more touches on the offensive side.
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