The Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers continue their Eastern Conference semifinals Wednesday with Game 5 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, so here’s the best Hawks vs. 76ers betting pick along with the latest NBA Playoffs odds update on BetMGM Sportsbook.
With the series tied at 2-2, the 76ers open as 6-point favorites for Wednesday’s clash, while the Hawks are +205 moneyline dogs with a total of 223.5 points.
The Hawks overcame an 18-point deficit to grab Game 4
The Atlanta Hawks struggled mightily with their shooting last Monday but managed to overcome their offensive woes and an 18-point deficit to outlast the 76ers as 3-point home dogs and tie the series. Nate McMillan’s boys battled bravely on the defensive end, surrendering just 38 points since halftime, while Trae Young found his mojo down the stretch and scored some big buckets.
The Hawks shot only 36.6% from the field and 30.0% from beyond the arc (12-for-40). At least, they committed a paltry four turnovers while handing out 24 assists. Young finished with 25 points and a whopping 18 dimes; Bogdan Bogdanovic accounted for 22 points and five boards, while John Collins added 14 points and 12 rebounds.
While Trae is dealing with a sore shoulder, the Hawks already miss De’Andre Hunter (knee) and Cam Reddish (Achilles). Both Young and Bogdanovic played 40-plus minutes in Game 4, and these two guys have been key players for the Hawks so far this postseason.
The Sixers blew a huge opportunity to take a 3-1 lead
The Philadelphia 76ers fell apart in the second half of Monday’s Game 4, as Joel Embiid continued to play with torn cartilage in his right knee. Embiid went 0-for-12 from the field in the second half and finished with 17 points, 21 rebounds, and four assists.
“I guess it’s already known,” Embiid said, confirming the knee was what caused him to leave the bench in the second quarter. “There’s no need to explain myself anymore. I’m just trying to do the best I can.”
Tobias Harris led the way for the Sixers in Game 3, tallying 20 points and five rebounds in 39 minutes on the floor. Ben Simmons had 11 points, 12 boards, and nine assists, but he missed four of his five free-throw attempts.
The 76ers desperately need more from Simmons who hasn’t been much of an offensive force lately. He’s making only 34.0% of his free-throw attempts this postseason. Considering Embiid’s struggle with an injury, the rest of the pack will have to step up big.
Trends:
Atlanta:
- 1-4 ATS in the last five road games against Philadelphia
Philadelphia:
- 9-3 ATS in the last 12 games at home
Atlanta Hawks vs. Philadelphia 76ers Pick:
I’m expecting a tight contest Wednesday at Wells Fargo Center. The 76ers will continue to lean on their defense. Philadelphia allows its rivals to make only 9.3 triples a night this postseason on a 32.2% shooting from deep. On the other side, the Hawks have probably learned a lesson and will try to play aggressive defense for all 48 minutes.
Therefore, my best betting pick is on the totals, and I don’t feel comfortable with a 6-point spread. The Sixers should win on the back of their stout defense despite Embiid’s injury, and I hope they’ll cover this NBA pick as a 4-point spread. Philadelphia has covered in nine of its last 12 outings on the home court.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Philadelphia 76ers Total Pick:
I’m going with the under in this one. As I’ve mentioned, the Sixers will stay focused on their defense, while the Hawks know they cannot rush things. Atlanta turned the ball over just four times in Game 4, and the Hawks showed significant improvement on the defensive end.
While the over is 8-3 in Phila’s last 11 games overall, the under is 9-3 in Atlanta’s previous 12 outings at any location. The Hawks prefer to play at a slow pace, and I’m looking for a lot of contested shots in Game 5.