The Tip-Off is an opinion column that was created to provide pregame analysis. All columns are encouraged to be debated.
On The Road Again…
Amidst a seven-game stretch, the Sixers (2-0) will play 6 road games. After traveling to Detroit this past weekend, they will make their first appearance in Atlanta on Monday night. The team tips off against the sharpshooting Trae Young and the Hawks (2-0) at 7:30 p.m. Coverage begins at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Philadelphia.
The betting lines are still being settled for this game. Since Embiid’s status is still up in the air, expect the line to be locked until this information is known.
Flashing Back
Dating back to last season, the Hawks have played well against the 76ers. During 2018-2019, Atlanta won three of the four meetings between the teams, with two of these falling during the last two weeks of the season.
During these games, the Hawks averaged 118.5 points. However, in three of the games, the Hawks put up over 120 points, with the rookie Trae Young averaging 27.7 points per game.
Player to Watch:
Trae Young
This kid is special. Over the start of the season, the second-year guard has put up historic numbers.
Yes, he has been that good. However…
The REAL Player to Watch:
Matisse Thybulle
I fully expect Thybulle to match up on Trae Young when the two share the court. Thybulle locked down Kemba Walker. The rookie has been living up to his defensive hype through the preseason and two games so far, which will definitely carry over against Young. However, his offense has been lacking. Through two games, he sports a mere three points, 5 turnovers, and 5 fouls in roughly 45 minutes of work.
Assuming Joel Embiid is out for a second straight game, Thybulle should get the nod starting at shooting guard. Hopefully, he actually lives up to the “shooting” aspect of the position, and fans should keep an eye on him looking to get more shots beyond the arc.
Key to the Game:
The Sixers’ Bench
Joel Embiid is still questionable for Monday’s game. He missed Saturday’s game against the Pistons with right ankle soreness, which is assuming to keep him out another game.
After a bit of struggle in game one, the Sixers bench came out firing in game 2. Kyle O’Quinn came up huge in his role with Joel Embiid out. Mike Scott made 5 of his 6 three-point attempts, igniting the flame off the bench. Shake Milton also finally was unleashed and had 10 points in his 12 minutes of work.
The Round-Up
The Sixers bench will have to bring game 2 vibes over the game 1 woes in order to defeat the Hawks. Rookie Matisse Thybulle will also need to trend positively in the frontcourt while maintaining his defensive success.
The Sixers will defeat the Hawks in low scoring fashion. Forecast a 105-94 Sixers win, with Josh Richardson being the player of the game. It’s the first year Sixer’s turn to boast a solid stat line, after Tobias and Al Horford carried the team against the Pistons.
Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
