76ers Rival Atlanta Hawks Suffers Another Key Setback

Though the Philadelphia 76ers have a tie-breaker over the Atlanta Hawks, contemplating Philly has defeated Atlanta in two of three matchups, the Hawks are in entrance of Philly within the Jap Convention standings.

How lengthy will that final? Effectively, Atlanta enters a troublesome scenario as accidents proceed to take a few of their key gamers off the ground. 

The Hawks entered their December 2 matchup towards the Denver Nuggets with out two starters on the ground. De’Andre Hunter, who’s been coping with a hip situation, is listed as day-to-day. Hunter missed the Hawks’ final 4 video games consequently.

Together with Hunter is the veteran ahead, John Collins. After struggling an ankle harm lately, Collins is reportedly on tempo to overlook a minimal of two weeks, in response to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Within the absence of Hunter and Collins, the Hawks have gone 1-3, with a win over the Nuggets and losses towards the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, New York Knicks, and Brooklyn Nets.

Sadly, the scenario will get harder for Atlanta. After checking in for 3 minutes on Wednesday night time within the matchup towards the Knicks, the Hawks misplaced Dejounte Murray to an ankle sprain. In response to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Murray is on tempo to overlook a minimum of two weeks value of motion.

The timing of Murray’s setback is actually regarding for Atlanta. Not solely are the Hawks on a present two-game shedding streak, however they’ve gone 4-6 over their final ten video games. And not using a star like Murray, who averages 21 factors, six assists, and 5 rebounds, Atlanta’s backcourt will look fairly totally different over this two-week stretch. 

And with a 13-13 file, the Hawks might realistically slide down the Jap Convention ranks, permitting different playoff contenders, such because the Sixers take benefit.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports activities Illustrated channel. You’ll be able to observe him for reside updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.