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Atlanta Hawks: 5 Key Games That Fans Should Watch in 2018-19

By Zackery Rogers

TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 12: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic and Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks pose for a photo during the 2018 NBA Rookie Shoot on August 12, 2018 at the Madison Square Garden Training Center in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michelle Farsi/NBAE via Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 12: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic and Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks pose for a photo during the 2018 NBA Rookie Shoot on August 12, 2018 at the Madison Square Garden Training Center in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michelle Farsi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Hawks John Collins
ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 10: John Collins, Atlanta Hawks /

2. Atlanta Hawks vs. Philadelphia 76ers, January 11th

Joel Embiid aka the “Walking GOAT” will probably marvel at the opportunity to compete against Collins. However, unlike most, Collins will not back down from Embiid who seems to be living his best life this offseason.

After the departure of King James, the Eastern Conference is up for grabs. Although the East is wide-open, a playoff run may not be in the near future for the Hawks. But this matchup is significant for the young Atlanta team who is entering the second year of their rebuild phase.

In order to grow as a team, the Hawks need to take this matchup seriously. These two teams will meet multiple times this season. A key matchup to watch out for is the battle of the benches. An Achilles’ heel for the 76ers last season was their lack of offense off the bench.

Atlanta may have a slight edge on the Sixers bench on paper. Atlanta’s notable bench players currently consist of Young, Huerter, Spellman DeAndre’ Bembry, Alex Len and Justin Anderson. Yes, Anderson is one player to look out for considering his connection to coach Pierce.

Philadelphia’s notable bench players include T.J. McConnell, Markelle Fultz, Wilson Chandler and Amir Johnson. This matchup will help test the Hawks and push them to new heights. Atlanta will be able to match up with Philadelphia’s starting lineup.

In today’s league matchups are pivotal, although they do not always result in wins. The mystery of Fultz’s health and the lack of consistency of Robert Covington‘s play gives the Hawks a chance to win some games in this season series.

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