5 notable games on the Sixers’ 2021-22 schedule: Hawks (Oct. 30)
The Sixers will end October with a rematch of the conference semifinals from hell. There is considerable proof that Atlanta is not only a reputable challenger to Philadelphia, but possibly the better team, period. If Simmons is somehow still on the team and playing for the team, it will be fascinating to see how he performs in this particular matchup in front of the Philly faithful.
Embiid will probably have a bone to pick in this particular game. Clint Capela is a great defender, but the Hawks had no real answer to Embiid in the second round. Assuming the big man is out there, you can virtually pencil in 40 points and some exquisite mean mugs.
For Atlanta, this season is about proving last season was not a fluke. The Hawks were right on par with the NBA’s best teams after hiring Nate McMillan, then backed that up with a conference finals appearance. There is no deeper team, and home-court advantage is a clear goal — if not the absolute expectation.
Trae Young gave Philly the business all series, even with Ben Simmons checking him. How the Sixers combat him, especially if Simmons is no longer around, could determine the course of the game. There’s a good chance the Sixers run into Atlanta again come postseason. They’re not going away. This is a matchup to watch all year.