Mon Mar 10 22:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Sixers Face Tough Test Against Hawks in Back-to-Back Road Game
**Atlanta, GA –** The Philadelphia 76ers, currently boasting the seventh-worst record in the NBA, face a challenging matchup against the playoff-bound Atlanta Hawks on Monday. This game concludes a grueling back-to-back road trip for Philadelphia, which surprisingly saw them defeat the Utah Jazz 126-122 on Sunday.
That victory, fueled by 25-point performances from Lonnie Walker IV and Quentin Grimes, snapped a three-game losing streak. However, the Sixers remain significantly depleted. Joel Embiid is out for the season, while Paul George’s groin soreness continues to sideline him. Tyrese Maxey also missed Sunday’s game with a lower back sprain and his status remains uncertain.
The Hawks, sitting seventh in the Eastern Conference at 30-34, present a formidable opponent. They enter the game on a two-game winning streak and will be looking to extend their playoff push. Atlanta will also be without several key players due to injury, including Jalen Johnson, Kobe Bufkin, and Larry Nance Jr. Trae Young (quad contusion) and Vit Krejci (lumbar fracture) are listed as questionable.
While the Sixers’ playoff hopes are fading, the focus has shifted towards improving their lottery odds for the upcoming NBA draft. Their current standing gives them a decent chance at retaining their own pick, though the odds fluctuate significantly depending on the final lottery standings. The team’s performance hinges on the continued strong play of role players like Kelly Oubre Jr., Grimes, Adem Bona, and Jared Butler.
Despite the challenging circumstances, a strong performance from the Sixers’ bench could provide a glimmer of hope, even as the team prioritizes a better draft position. The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
First Piper 