In their first meeting since last spring’s Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Philadelphia 76ers (3-2) and Atlanta Hawks (3-2) will clash inside Wells Fargo Center Saturday evening. The Sixers enter this contest fresh off a closer-than-needed victory over the Detroit Pistons, while the Hawks’ comeback efforts fell short against the Washington Wizards on Thursday.
Saturday marks Philadelphia’s third opportunity to register its first win against a playoff-caliber opponent. They’ve defeated three lottery-bound squads, blew a big lead at home to the struggling Brooklyn Nets and were outclassed against the New York Knicks.