Sixers: Ranking possible first-round matchups in 2021

Sixers’ potential first-round matchup #3: Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks will do little to stand in Philadelphia’s way, but the depth and offensive firepower on that roster is noteworthy. Atlanta has played well since canning Lloyd Pierce, and Trae Young’s history of success against the Sixers is well-documented. The Sixers, still, are fairly well-equipped to handle the Hawks’ litany of scorers.

Atlanta has an elite rim protector in Clint Capela, but Joel Embiid should have no problem winning that matchup. John Collins and, even more so, Danilo Gallinari are exploitable matchups at the four, while the Hawks’ backcourt defense is generally porous.

Not many teams on this list share Atlanta’s upside. The Hawks are the deepest team in the East on paper, with a bench full of proven contributors and spry young talent. There’s no doubt Atlanta can keep pace with Philadelphia on the scoreboard if the Sixers’ defense falters.

Again, Philadelphia would enter this series as overwhelming favorites, with the NBA’s best defense and a leading MVP candidate at their disposal. The Hawks have not proven their mettle in the playoffs yet, and the Sixers are hungrier than ever to prove themselves.