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Preview: Hawks begin road set vs. 76ers

NBA: Philadelphia 76ers at Atlanta Hawks Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Hawks (34-28) continue their road trip vs. the Philadelphia 76ers (40-21) Wednesday evening in what will be the first of two games between the two teams this week. The Hawks and Sixers will also play in Philadelphia on Friday evening, completing the season series between the two teams.

Philadelphia has been the in the conversation of being the best team in the Eastern Conference this season, as both them and the Brooklyn Nets are fighting for the No. 1 seed despite losing key players for significant time. The 76ers come into play Wednesday as the No. 2 seed, 1.5 games behind Brooklyn.

Atlanta remains the No. 5 seed despite the loss on Monday, two games ahead of the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat with 10 games to go. These two games will be a huge test for the Hawks, however, and the picture could look much different by the time the Hawks return home and play a back-to-back Saturday evening. Even with Trae Young and De’Andre Hunter in the lineup, splitting 1-1 in Philadelphia would be considered a win to most, so the Hawks potentially playing the 76ers twice without their best player will certainly be a challenge.

Atlanta has pulled off unlikely wins without Young before, however, as evidenced by Sunday’s win over the Milwaukee Bucks, and a win over the Miami Heat a couple days before that. Bogdan Bogdanovic and Lou Williams will have an even heavier load on his shoulders in the back court with the status of Brandon Goodwin and Kevin Huerter up in the air. It will be a tough task, as the 76ers are 24-5 when Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris all play.

Injuries

For Atlalnta, Brandon Goodwin (left ankle impingement) is questionable, which is somewhat surprising given the nature of the way he left the game Monday evening. Kevin Huerter (left shoulder sprain) is doubtful, while De’Andre Hunter (right knee soreness), Trae Young (left ankle sprain), Tony Snell (ankle) and Cam Reddish (Achilles) all remain out.

For the 76ers, Mike Scott (hip) is questionable.

The Line

The Sixers opened as 8-point favorites early Wednesday morning, which is understandable given the amount of notable absences for Atlanta. Both teams had Tuesday off, so no rest advantage. The over/under opened at 220.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Wednesday, Apr. 28, 7:00 pm ET

Location: Wells Fargo Center

TV: Bally Sports Southeast, NBA League Pass (out of market)

Radio: 92.9 The Game (Atlanta); Hawks Radio Network

Streaming: Fox Sports Go