The 76ers vs Hawks series should be over at this point, based on the leads that the 76ers had in Game 4 and Game 5. However, they enter Game 6 as the team on the brink of elimination after losing huge leads in both games.
Philadelphia has not made an Eastern Conference finals in 20 years, not since a guy named Allen Iverson put the team on his back. This season looked like a great opportunity to get back there, and maybe beyond, but now the 76ers are on the road facing elimination. The scary thing is that Philly has squandered so many leads that even if they are up in this one they might not have the ability to close the deal.
I am still not sold on Atlanta, but they are playing well and are much more unflappable than you would expect. It just might earn them a spot in the Conference finals.
Philadelphia 76ers (2-3) vs. Atlanta Hawks (3-2), ESPN, 7:30 PM ET
76ers vs Hawks Game 6 Betting Odds
- Spread: 76ers -3.5 (-112), Hawks +3.5 (-110)
- Total: OVER 221.5 (-108), UNDER 221.5 (-112)
- Moneyline: 76ers -162, Hawks +136
76ers vs Hawks odds are via FanDuel Sportsbook as of Friday, June 18 at 10:50 am ET.
Philly is in Big Trouble on the Road
Joel Embiid was dominant once again, scoring 37 points with 13 rebounds. He even added 4 blocks. The Sixers were looking so good in this game in Game 5 until they weren’t.
The only other positive from the game is that Seth Curry channeled his brother, scoring 36 points. Philly is always on the lookout for a second scorer, and Curry has the shooting ability to be just that. Only he and Embiid scored in the second half as things fell apart.
Once again Ben Simmons proved as much of a liability as a benefit as he struggled to make foul shots. Shooting 4 for 14 from the line is tough to win with. I don’t want to pin the loss on one player, but he has to be really amazing in the other facets of the game to make up for it, and he wasn’t.
Forward Tobias Harris also disappeared in this game, shooting just 2 for 11 and posting a -10 for the game. When he is not playing well, it makes it harder for the 76ers to manage Simmons as much.
Amazingly Philly is still favored on Friday. I see it, but that is a hard way to earn your money.
Hawks are Playing With House Money
I suppose the comeback vs collapse is in the eye of the beholder. Atlanta refused to give up in Game 5, and now they are at home with a chance to win and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Not only were the Hawks able to come back and win, but they did it despite getting zero points from starter Kevin Huerter. They have been winning games with him in the lineup, but it has been in spite of him not because.
Instead, the Hawks got their complementary scoring from reserve guard Lou Williams and forward Danilo Gallinari who combined for 31 points. “Sweet Lou” has never shied away from the moment and was money in the fourth quarter.
Of course, you can’t overlook the performance of Trae Young. He scored 39 points including 17 for 19 from the free-throw line. Now that is some clutch shooting. I think I read somewhere that Ben Simmons has missed more free throws in the playoffs than the entire Atlanta team has. Crazy stuff.
Atlanta is home and can just play their game on Friday night. Maybe they win and advance or maybe there is a Game 7. They are +3 and this definitely feels like a spot where they either win (and cover) or get overwhelmed. The money line looks like the better play.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Atlanta Hawks Game 6 Matchup: Picks, Odds, Stats and More
