The Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers will battle it out in an Eastern Conference matchup at the Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Hawks-76ers prediction and pick.
Atlanta has been dealing with a plethora of injuries recently, but the team has still managed to win seven of 10 games coming in. The 76ers have been reeling of late, losing four of their last five games. Philadelphia is still in a neck-and-neck race for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the Hawks-76ers odds.
NBA Odds: Hawks-76ers Odds
Atlanta Hawks +8 (-115)
Over 216.5 Points (-110)
Under 216.5 Points (-110)
Why The Hawks Could Cover The Spread
The Hawks have been very good of late (not last game) despite missing some of their key players. Trae Young has been sidelined and is not expected to return to the court until this weekend at the earliest. His presence on the offensive end of the floor is hard to match, which has been an issue at times for Atlanta without him. They've found some offense in other areas, but now have a tough matchup against a great defensive team in Philadelphia. The focus for Atlanta will be on the defensive end of the floor as it tries to find a way to slow down Joel Embiid.
The Hawks are in a similar spot as the Los Angeles Lakers right now. They are severely depleted and looking to string together wins here and there to remain relevant until their top guns return. The team has remained competitive but isn't in the same league as Philadelphia talent-wise right now. Without guys like De'Andre Hunter, Kevin Huerter and Cam Reddish as well, the Hawks will look to play a balanced attack in hopes of keeping this one close late. Atlanta will have confidence entering this game as it is 6-1 ATS in their last seven games against the 76ers.
Why The 76ers Could Cover The Spread
The Philadelphia 76ers finally snapped their dreadful four-game losing streak with a win against the Oklahoma City Thunder in their last game. The 31-point victory must have felt good for Doc and his group, but now they have a chance against a solid team to prove that the recent win wasn't a fluke. What was most promising in the win was the fact that Ben Simmons returned to the court and looked pretty solid throughout.
It will be vital for this team to return to form as the playoffs are just around the corner. I wouldn't be surprised if this team hits a stride and returns to the one-seed come playoff time. Big man Joel Embiid is having his best season of his career and will be the ultimate X-factor for his team in this game and down the stretch. Embiid's squad is 17-12-1 ATS on their home court this season. They are 35-10 SU as the favorite and will look to take care of business against a depleted Hawks team.
Final Hawks-76ers Prediction & Pick
In a competitive Eastern Conference battle between two playoff teams, I am going to side with the underdog that is getting eight points. I agree that Philadelphia should win this game, but it's hard to make a case based on recent trends that they'll cover a sizable spread, even with Atlanta's injury issues. The Hawks have still remained very competitive and have covered in 11 of their last 15 games coming in. I credit it mostly to good coaching, depth and team chemistry.
FINAL PICK: Atlanta Hawks +8 (-115)
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