Sixers look to rebuild some momentum vs. Hawks, with enjoyable matchups in retailer

The season has taken a flip for the more severe for the reason that opening couple of weeks in a usually Sixersy means, with extra accidents, star absences, and losses. But they acquired themselves one other victory on Friday after defeating the Nets, 115-103, of their newest NBA Cup sport.

The Sixers by no means trailed. Adem Bona stepped up throughout as Andre Drummond went down with a sprained knee, Tyrese Maxey was rock stable with a close to triple-double as he confronted most of Brooklyn’s defensive consideration, and Jared McCain continued wanting extra dynamic and comfy with a season-high 20 factors and career-high 5 steals. Yes, the Nets could stink this season, however you’ve acquired to take what you will get for these depleted Sixers proper now. At least this efficiency provides them barely extra constructive vibes heading into their subsequent contest, as they tackle the 12-8 Atlanta Hawks.

The harm report continues to be lengthy, although. For Sunday, Joel Embiid (proper knee harm administration), Kelly Oubre Jr. (left knee sprain) and Trendon Watford (left adductor pressure) all stay out. However, Drummond is just listed as questionable, reassuring information that he may return quickly even when it doesn’t occur towards the Hawks. VJ Edgecombe (left calf harm administration) has additionally been upgraded to questionable, and McCain continues to be accessible.

For the Hawks, the large title on the harm report is the continued absence of Trae Young, who’s as a result of be reevaluated quickly however has been sidelined for the final month with a knee harm. Kristaps Porzingis additionally stays out with sickness, which means Onyeka Okongwu might be persevering with as Atlanta’s beginning middle.

Okongwu could not have the monitor document of Porzingis’s scoring and three-point taking pictures, however he’s clearly developed this season. Okongwu has upped his scoring to 16.5 factors per sport and he’s jumped as much as 4.8 three-point makes an attempt an evening, all whereas making them at a 41.3 p.c clip. Even although it’s early days within the season, his consolation from vary is sweet sufficient for him to even be coming off screens, popping past the arc, and using a fairly neat (and fast) launch.

Earlier this month he even made eight triples (sure, EIGHT) in a single sport towards the Jazz! Okongwu vs. Bona ought to make for a enjoyable matchup.

The Hawks ought to give these shorthanded Sixers a problem. Atlanta has put collectively a stable season to this point, sitting fifth within the East, a 7-3 document over their final 10 video games with middle-of-the-pack efficiency at each ends of the ground (fifteenth in offensive ranking and thirteenth in protection). And they’ve finished it with out Young.

Jalen Johnson particularly has stepped as much as carry a bigger load. He’s placing collectively an All-Star season with the best way he’s upped his utilization, showcased much more poise as playmaker, and easily finished a little bit of every thing. Johnson’s simply handed Young in all-time triple-doubles for the Hawks, and now boasts spectacular averages of 21.9 factors, 9.6 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.7 steals per sport with a terrific 63.0 true taking pictures proportion.

The Sixers may positively use Paul George to assist preserve the 6-foot-8 Johnson in test with how effectively he’s driving, attacking the glass, and main quick breaks proper now. Watching how Dominick Barlow fares towards Johnson at any time when they’re matched up might be attention-grabbing to observe as effectively.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been key for the Hawks in Young’s absence, too. He’s stepped into the beginning lineup to common 32.0 minutes an evening and has scored 30+ twice in his final 5 outings, taking him to a significant new career-high of 19.3 factors per sport. He’s firing away from three (6.8 makes an attempt at a 36.1 p.c clip), ending fairly effectively within the paint, and staying extra environment friendly than ever with a career-best 59.5 true taking pictures proportion. Maxey’s been defending effectively this 12 months, so he and Quentin Grimes might want to focus their efforts on maintaining Alexander-Walker in test.

If Maxey retains cooking, McCain continues his regular enchancment, and George has a great taking pictures night time to associate with position gamers like Bona delivering once more, perhaps that can provide the Sixers sufficient to beat this Hawks staff. But it received’t be straightforward on Sunday night time.

When: Sunday, November 30, 6:00 p.m. ET
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers