Key Sixers players are game-time decisions as they aim for a second consecutive win against the streaky Hawks.
After putting a halt to their skid against the Brooklyn Nets, the Philadelphia 76ers are now looking to pick up their second-straight victory as they take on the Atlanta Hawks. Playing at home again, this is a game that should be winnable for the Sixers, especially if a couple of their key players return to action.
Joel Embiid, VJ Edgecombe, and Andre Drummond are all questionable to play and will be game-time decisions after they go through their pregame routines. If just one of these players can return, it would be a huge addition for the lineup. That said, it's possible that all of them return, which would make this game much more manageable for Philadelphia.
Though the Hawks are 12-8 on the season and have a better record than the Sixers, they are an inconsistent team and are a team that Philly can beat if they don't shoot themselves in the foot. It will be key that at least one of Drummond or Embiid plays as the rebounding battle could become quite difficult, making it hard to win regardless of how well they play.
Edgecombe would certainly help, but McCain has stepped up so much over the last few games that adding another guard isn't a huge concern right now. Obviously, Embiid would be incredible to have back, but Drummond would be just as great to have back considering how well he's played and the fact that it's more of a depth issue in the front court at this point rather than a skill issue.
Embiid has missed the team's last nine games straight with knee soreness and if he's still not ready, it'd be better to sit him for at least another game or two to ensure that the soreness doesn't persist. That said, if he is ready to return to action consistently, then hopefully it's the start of a much better stretch from the Sixers.
Having both Paul George and Embiid back in the lineup on a consistent basis would make this one of the best teams in the league, especially with Maxey playing like an MVP. Philly hasn't won back-to-back games in quite some time, so if they can secure their second-straight win tonight, it would be a huge sigh of relief to see some sort of consistent success once again.
The Hawks won't just let the Sixers win, but I do think that Philadelphia is the better team when playing up to their typical standard. It would also be even more encouraging to see this success come after a flat-out embarrassing loss to the Orlando Magic.