Atlanta Hawks: 3 keys to victory against the Philadelphia 76ers
Atlanta Hawks key No. 3) Key matchup Clint Capela vs Joel Embiid
More from Soaring Down South
- Start, Bench, Cut: Sorting through the Hawks’ power forward options
- Hawks’ Bogdan Bogdanovic reacts to earning FIBA World Cup championship bid
- When does training camp start for the Atlanta Hawks?
- Grade the trade: Hawks deal Trae Young to Clippers in shocking proposal
- Dejounte Murray rips NBA 2K after Atlanta Hawks ratings reveal
Joel Embiid has been an absolute force in the NBA since his debut after all his injury issues. He has averaged 24.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 0.8 steals in 30.5 minutes per game. This season he is averaging 24.6 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.1 steals in 32.3 minutes per game.
Embiid appears to be at the peak of his career right now and before the issues with the COVID-19 protocol the 76ers had the best record in the NBA. Now that Simmons is not playing this game against the Hawks, Embiid is going to be the main man, if he plays of course.
Where Embiid has it over most opposing bigs is he is a 7’0″ true stretch-five. Over eight games he is shooting the 3-ball at an incredible 45.8 percent on 3.0 attempts per game. With his size and foot movement, he is then able to dominate you inside as well.
The one member of the Hawks who will not be dominated inside is Clint Capela. He is one of the better defenders at the pivot position and is the best chance for the Hawks of going toe to toe with the 76ers big man.
Next. De'Andre Hunter has taken a leap this season. dark
Assuming the 76ers get most of their players back out of the COVID-19 health and safety protocol, Embiid against Capela will go a long way to deciding the game.