Get ready for another exciting Game 7 in the NBA Playoffs with the #1 Philadelphia 76ers hosting the #5 Atlanta Hawks in the series finale of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
After blowing a pair of big leads in the fourth quarter in consecutive games, the Philadelphia 76ers held on to defeat the Hawks in Atlanta to win Game 6 to even the series at 3-3.
The final game of this tantalizing series shifts back to the City of Brotherly Love. The 76ers host the Hawks in Game 7 on their home court at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, where they posted the best record in the NBA over the last two seasons.
| GAME 7: #5 Atlanta Hawks (3-3) vs #1 Philadelphia 76ers (3-3) |
- Tip-off: 8:00pm ET
- Location: Wells Fargo Center, Philly, PA
- Point Spread: PHI -7
- Total: 216.5 o/u
- Money Line: ATL +250 / PHI -290
The 76ers are -7 favorites once again in Game 7. They were favorites in every game this series, but both teams have a 3-3 ATS record. The under hit in four out of the last five games.
Atlanta’s Bogdan Bogdanovic exited Game 6 due to a knee injury. His status is listed as questionable, but Bogdanovic wants to play and will be a game-time decision.
The winner secures a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals and becomes one of the last four teams in contention for the NBA title.
The 76ers are currently +600 odds to win the 2021 NBA championship, according to the South Point Casino and Sportsbook in Las Vegas. The Hawks are the massive underdog on the futures board at +4000 odds.
Bogdanovic Questionable for Hotlanta
The Atlanta Hawks were the surprise team in the 2021 NBA playoffs. They edged out the New York Knicks in five games in the first round, and now they have the Philadelphia 76ers on the ropes. The Hawks held a 3-2 series lead over the 76ers, but failed to deliver a knock-out blow on their home court, which is the main reason why they come into game 7 as +7 underdog.
The Hawks won three close games this series by a total of ten points. They overcame large deficits in the second half of Game 4 and Game 5 to eke out victories, including a 26-point comeback in Game 5 propelled by 39 points from Trae Young.
Young scored 34 points including five 3-pointers in Game 6’s loss. He’s averaging 30.3 points and 11 assists against the 76ers.
“All the other games don’t mean anything,” said Young. “Both teams are in win or go home situations.”
Bogdanovic carried the Hawks late in the regular season when he got hot from beyond the arc. He struggled in the last three games this series shooting 5-for-23 from downtown, but it’s unknown if his sore knee contributed to his shooting woes. In Game 6, he scored just seven points on 1-for-5 from 3-point range before he left the game in the fourth quarter with a knee issue.
Nate McMillian opted for a three-guard starting line up with Young, Bogdanovic, and Kevin Huerter. If Bogdanovic cannot play, Danilo Gallinari could start in his place.
Lou Williams, former Sixth Man of the Year, had a quiet series (7.7 ppg), but he has a chance to make his mark as the next man up for Bogdanovic.
Sniper Seth Curry, Philly Tough Embiid
Regardless of the outcome, Joel Embiid is one badass mofo for playing this entire series with a torn meniscus. Embiid averages 30.3 points, 13 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game this series while gutting through the pain.
“You saw the fight and grit of a whole group,” said Tobias Harris about the Game 6 victory to tie the series.
A focused Harris co-led the 76ers in scoring with 24 points in Game 6 after shrugging off a dismal Game 5 with four points on 2-for-11 shooting.
We’re used to seeing Steph Curry light it up in the postseason, but this year it’s his brother, Seth, who’s inflicting damage from long range. Curry scored a team-high 24 points and knocked down six treys in must-win Game 6.
“It’s fun, a lot of fun,” said Curry. “That’s a great team over there. You’ve just got to weather the storm and come back at them at the other end.”
The 76ers played much better defense in the fourth quarter after back-to-back implosions in the previous two games.
“We showed that mental toughness and came out on top,” said Ben Simmons.
“This is now a one game series,” said Doc Rivers. “I told you we would win Game 6 and these guys are confident about Game 7.”
Check out more of OG’s coverage of the 2021 NBA Playoffs.
