Atlanta Hawks vs Philadelphia 76ers
Date and Time: Saturday, June 19,2021 7:30am
Venue: State Farm Arena – GA
Prediction: Philadelphia 76ers
Bookmaker: 1xbet

It was far from smooth sailing for the Hawks, who trailed by as many as 18 points. Atlanta buckled down late and stifled the Sixers’ offense in the second half to pull off the comeback. We’ll see if they can keep that going as the series shifts back to Philadelphia.

The 76ers, however, should burn the tape and pretend the second half of Game 4 never happened.

After they held a 13-point halftime lead, it looked like Philadelphia was on its way to a 3-1 series lead. I am not sure if the aliens from the original “Space Jam” took their talent or what, but the Sixers looked flat. Philadelphia’s struggles culminated in Joel Embiid tossing a potential go-ahead layup hard off the glass, not even hitting the rim.

Returning home should give the 76ers a chance to recollect and get back to who they were from the third quarter of Game 1 through the second quarter of Game 2.

The Hawks’ margin for error has been small in their wins and missing home court could be the difference.

For the Sixers, at home, in their biggest game of the year so far, and after Rivers saying they were outworked, I expect them to come out with a fire under their buns. They will be ready for Atlanta to push the tempo and to respond by slowing things down and running their offense.

Even if Embiid is forced to sit longer than usual due to injury or fatigue, Philly can still avoid a Game 4-like struggle offensively by going through Harris. Assuming the 76ers can slow the pace down, they should have no problem at home.

The Sixers have won each of their two games this series by 16 points. I expect them to play as they did in those victories and look like far too much for Atlanta.

Back Philadelphia to win big and regain control of the series.