NBA PLAYOFFS
76ers VS Hawks
2nd ROUND
Game 1: June 6th
Even without Embiid, the Sixers SHOULD win this game. They are the 1 seed playing at home, but they are taking on a surging Hawks team who really came together towards the end of their season and in the first round against the Knicks. It will definitely be a good game, but the style of play between the teams don’t necessarily complement each other, so I think it will be a dysfunctional game. The Sixers will focus on their defense and containing Trae Young, while the Hawks will focus on their offense and keeping up with the high scoring 76ers. I think the 76ers will ultimately get the win but I don’t know if they can cover -3 without Embiid. Take the under 220 total points, Ben Simmons over 15.5 points, and Tobias Harris over 24.5 points.
Game 2: June 8th
Start Time: 7:30 pm EST
Venue: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia
Where to Watch: TNT
The Hawks stole game 1 in dominant fashion. They have been rolling through the playoffs looking great. I have a hard time seeing the 76ers beat them by 7 or more tonight, though I do think it is likely they win. The Hawks need to continue getting great reserve play and keeping a fast pace, and shooting the ball well is key. The 76ers will make it tough and fight until the very end to win as we saw in the first game. I still think the Hawks will cover this spread. Take the Hawks +6.5 and Joel Embiid over 30.5 points.
Game 3: June 11th
Start Time: 7:30 pm EST
Venue: State Farm Arena, Atlanta
Where to Watch: ESPN
The Sixers got this game. I can’t believe the 1 seed is barely a favorite against the 5th seed, even if Atlanta has home court advantage. The Sixers were dominant in game 2 but as the game went on let the Hawks back in it. I predict they dominate the whole game tonight, and don’t let the Hawks have any breathing room. It seems as though Embiid’s injury is a non-factor, and I think the rest of the Sixers will be on point tonight. I think Simmons locks down Trae Young tonight - they held him to 21 last game on 6-16 from the field, and as long as they contain him the Hawks cannot keep up with the Sixers. Take the 76ers Money Line, under 225 total points, and Trae Young under 27.5 points.
Game 4: June 14th
Start Time: 7:30 pm EST
Venue: State Farm Arena, Atlanta
Where to Watch: TNT
Take the Hawks +3 and under 225.5 total points.
Game 5: June 16th
Start Time: 7:30 pm EST
Venue: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia
Where to Watch: TNT
Too tired to review. Take the Hawks +7 and under 224.5 total points.
Game 6: June 18th
Start Time: 7:30 pm EST
Venue: State Farm Arena, Atlanta
Where to Watch: ESPN
The 76ers are on their way to becoming the biggest playoff choke of all time. With a 2-1 lead, the 76ers had an 18 point lead in game 4, and a 26 point lead in game 5, both of which they ended up losing. Unfortunately, Doc Rivers has a notorious history of choking big leads in the playoffs (just look at last year with the Clippers when they blew a 3-1 lead to the Nuggets). However, Embiid is an unstoppable force and the 76ers supporting cast is a lot better than the Hawks. If they can just not collapse in the second half, they will easily win this series. I think they come out head hunting tonight and get a win. Take the 76ers -3, over 221.5 total points, and Ben Simmons over 13.5 points.