Atlanta is starting to find a groove again, and Jalen Johnson is a huge part of it. He’s coming off a triple-double against Cleveland and has stepped into a bigger role with Trae Young still out until mid-December. His growth as a scorer, playmaker, and defender has been one of the more intriguing early-season jumps in the East.
Dyson Daniels has also been a bright spot. He nearly posted a triple-double in the last game and continues to bring steadiness to the backcourt. With Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Onyeka Okongwu contributing consistently, the Hawks suddenly look a lot more balanced.
On the Philly side, it’s mostly about how they manage the current injury stretch. Joel Embiid hasn’t played in over a week, and several rotation pieces are banged up. Tyrese Maxey is still one of the league’s toughest scorers to contain, so Daniels and the Hawks’ perimeter defenders will have their hands full. Paul George has been working his way back into rhythm, and he could be a swing factor depending on how he looks physically.
Atlanta swept the Sixers last season, but both rosters look different now, and the context is completely changed.
So what are you keeping an eye on — Jalen Johnson’s continued breakout, how the Hawks defend Maxey, or whether Philly can hold up with so many injuries?