NBA Game Preview: Atlanta Hawks (26-30) vs. Philadelphia Sixers (30-24)

0
2

The Atlanta Hawks aim to snap a three-game losing streak as they visit the Philadelphia 76ers in an Eastern Conference clash following the All-Star break. The Hawks, struggling with consistency and injuries, sit 10th in the East and rely on Trae Young’s playmaking against a Sixers team that’s 6th in the standings but dealing with key absences and a recent blowout loss. Philadelphia’s defense (top-10 DRtg at 110.8) could exploit Atlanta’s poor road form, while the Hawks’ pace (98.4) might push for a high-scoring affair if Embiid sits.

Venue Location

Xfinity Mobile Arena
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET
TV: FDSSE and NBCS-PH
Live Stream: NBA League Pass

Injury Report

Both teams are managing key injuries, with Philadelphia’s frontcourt potentially thinned if Embiid is held out for knee management post-All-Star break. Atlanta’s depth is tested without Dante, and Kuminga’s status could impact their wing defense.

TeamPlayerPositionStatusReason
HawksJonathan KumingaPFQuestionableKnee
HawksN’Faly DanteCOutKnee
HawksDyson DanielsGAvailableRight Ankle
76ersJoel EmbiidCGTDKnee Injury Management
76ersQuentin GrimesGGTDIllness
76ersPaul GeorgeFOutLeague Suspension
76ersDominick BarlowFAvailableIllness

If Embiid plays, his presence boosts Philadelphia’s NRtg by +6.2; without him, Andre Drummond starts, but the Sixers’ ORtg drops to 112.4. Kuminga’s potential absence hurts Atlanta’s rebounding (42.6 RPG, bottom-10). Expect increased roles for Tyrese Maxey and Onyeka Okongwu.

Key Player Matchups

This matchup features guard battles and potential frontcourt mismatches, with Embiid’s status looming large over Atlanta’s interior defense.

  • Trae Young (Hawks) vs. Tyrese Maxey (76ers): Young (27.4 PPG, 10.8 APG) drives Atlanta’s offense but faces Maxey’s speed (26.2 PPG, 6.8 APG). Maxey’s efficiency (47.2% FG) could exploit Young’s defensive lapses (opponents +4.1 points per 100 possessions). If Grimes sits, Maxey handles more point duties.
  • Joel Embiid (76ers) vs. Onyeka Okongwu/Jock Landale (Hawks): Embiid (if available, 33.4 PPG, 11.6 RPG) dominates inside, especially against Atlanta’s 116.4 DRtg. Okongwu (9.8 RPG) provides athleticism, but Landale’s spacing (5.2 3PA/G) might pull Embiid out. Without Embiid, Dominick Barlow fills in, reducing Philly’s threat.
  • Zaccharie Risacher (Hawks) vs. VJ Edgecombe (76ers): Rookie wings clash—Risacher (12.6 PPG) vs. Edgecombe (14.8 PPG, strong defender). Edgecombe’s steals (1.6 SPG) could disrupt Atlanta’s perimeter, where they shoot 35.8% from three.
  • Bench Impact: Hawks’ Nickeil Alexander-Walker (clutch performer, 9.4 APG off bench) vs. Sixers’ Kelly Oubre Jr. (energy, 15.2 PPG). Atlanta’s bench NRtg +2.1 with Alexander-Walker; Philly’s drops -3.4 without George.

Recent Team Forms

Atlanta has lost three straight, struggling defensively (120.6 PPG allowed recently). Philadelphia alternates wins and losses but enters off a humiliating defeat.

Atlanta Hawks Last 5 Games:

DateOpponentResultScore
Feb 11@ HornetsL107-110
Feb 9@ TimberwolvesL116-138
Feb 7vs. HornetsL119-126
Feb 5vs. JazzW121-119
Feb 3@ HeatW127-115
  • Form: L-L-L-W-W
  • Key Trend: 1-6 ATS in last 7; road woes (10-19 away), allowing 122.4 PPG in skid. ORtg 114.2, but turnovers (14.8 per game) rise without full health.

Philadelphia 76ers Last 5 Games:

DateOpponentResultScore
Feb 11vs. KnicksL89-138
Feb 7@ SunsW109-103
Feb 5@ LakersL115-119
Feb 3@ WarriorsW113-94
Feb 2@ ClippersW128-113
  • Form: L-W-L-W-W
  • Key Trend: 6-3 SU in last 9; home strength (15-14), but blowout loss exposed fatigue (87.8 ORtg vs. NYK). DRtg 110.8 overall, elite when Embiid plays.

Series History

Philadelphia holds a slight all-time edge, but Atlanta has won recent meetings, showing upset potential.

  • All-Time Record: 76ers 203-200 vs. Hawks
  • Recent Head-to-Head: Hawks won Dec. 14, 2025 (120-117 in Atlanta)

Hawks also won Nov. 30, 2025 (134-142? Wait, correction: ATL 134 @ PHI 142, PHI win? Sources vary; recent Hawks 5-2 in last 7). Hawks 5-2 ATS in last 7 H2H

  • Key Stat: In last 10, 76ers 6-4 SU, but over has hit in 7 of 10.

Betting Trends

  • Trends: Hawks 1-6 ATS in last 7; 2-5 SU in last 7. 76ers 6-3 SU in last 9; 30-23 ATS overall, but 1-4 ATS when favored by 4-6 points. Over in 4 of Hawks’ last 6; under in 6 of last 10 H2H

Game Odds

Atlanta Hawks                   237.5

Philadelphia Sixers         – 4.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, February 18, 2026