You know that feeling when you check a box score and just think, "Wait, how?" That's basically the vibe every single time we see an Atlanta Hawks vs Philadelphia 76ers game. Seriously. These two teams don't just play basketball; they engage in these bizarre, high-scoring fever dreams that defy logic.
Take the game back on November 30, 2025. Philadelphia was at home. They had the momentum. Then Jalen Johnson happened. The guy went nuclear for 41 points and 14 rebounds. Atlanta walked away with a 142-134 win. 142 points! In a regulation game! It’s like defense is a suggestion when these two rosters share the floor.
Honestly, if you're a fan of either team, you've probably aged a decade over the last few years. Whether it’s a random Tuesday night or a high-stakes playoff series, the script is always the same: double-digit leads that vanish in four minutes and role players suddenly looking like first-ballot Hall of Famers.
The Trade That Changed the Math
If you haven't been keeping up with the news lately, the dynamic of the Atlanta Hawks vs Philadelphia 76ers rivalry just took a massive hit. Or a massive boost, depending on who you ask.
Trae Young is gone.
Yeah, it’s still weird to say. In January 2026, the Hawks pulled the trigger on a blockbuster deal, sending Trae to the Washington Wizards. In return, Atlanta got CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. It basically ends the "Trae vs. Philly" era, which was defined by that iconic shimmy in the 2021 playoffs.
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Without Trae’s deep-range gravity, the Hawks are a different beast. Dyson Daniels has stepped up in a huge way, recently dropping 27 points and 10 boards in a December win over the Sixers. He’s not Trae, but he’s a defensive nightmare. Philadelphia, meanwhile, is still leaning heavily on the Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid engine, though Embiid’s health is always the elephant in the room.
Why the Sixers Struggle with the "Hawks Flu"
It doesn't make sense on paper. Philadelphia usually has the better seed. They have the MVP-caliber center. Yet, Atlanta has won the last five matchups dating back to March 2025.
- November 30, 2025: Hawks win 142-134 (Jalen Johnson's 41-point masterpiece).
- December 14, 2025: Hawks win 120-117 (Dyson Daniels leads the way).
- March 2025: Hawks sweep the month with 132-point and 132-point outbursts.
It’s the speed. Atlanta plays at the 6th-fastest tempo in the league. Philadelphia, especially when Embiid is on the floor, likes to slow things down to a grind. When the Hawks force the Sixers into a track meet, Philly tends to gash out.
You’ve also got the Onyeka Okongwu factor. He's become a premier "stretch big," shooting over 41% from deep. Watching him pull Embiid out of the paint is like watching a chess master trap a king. Embiid wants to protect the rim, but he can't do that if he's chasing Okongwu out to the perimeter.
The Tyrese Maxey Evolution
While Trae is out of the picture, Tyrese Maxey has become the undisputed star of this matchup. He’s been carrying the Sixers so hard lately it’s almost painful to watch. In that November loss, he dropped 44 points.
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He’s currently averaging about 32 points a game this season. People keep comparing him to the league's elite guards, and honestly, he’s outperforming most of them. The problem? He’s playing nearly 40 minutes a night because the Sixers' depth is, well, thin.
Paul George is still there, but he’s shifted into more of a veteran stabilizer role. He had a 35-point game with seven triples against Atlanta in December, proving he can still turn it on, but the consistency isn't what it was five years ago.
Remembering the 2021 Nightmare
You can't talk about Atlanta Hawks vs Philadelphia 76ers without mentioning the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals. It’s the series that broke the "Process."
Remember Ben Simmons passing up that dunk? That single moment changed the trajectory of both franchises. Atlanta came back from 26 points down in Game 5. They won a Game 7 on the road. It was the peak of the Trae Young era. Even though the rosters have flipped—only a handful of players from that series are still on these teams—the scars are there. Philly fans still boo extra loud when the Hawks bus pulls up to the Wells Fargo Center.
What to Expect Next Time
The next big date is February 20, 2026.
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If you're looking at the betting lines or just trying to win a debate with your buddies, keep an eye on the "Starting PF" matchup. Statistical trends show that starting power forwards are shooting over 40% from three against the Sixers this year. That means Jalen Johnson is likely going to have another massive night.
Also, watch the free-throw line. Atlanta’s guards have been elite at baiting fouls lately, especially at home. If the Sixers get into early foul trouble, it’s over.
Actionable Insights for the Next Matchup:
- Fade the Under: These teams haven't met a total they couldn't smash lately. With Atlanta's pace and Philly's reliance on Maxey's isolation scoring, the "Over" is usually a safe bet.
- Watch the Okongwu/Embiid Minutes: If Okongwu picks up two quick fouls, Atlanta has no way to stop the Embiid freight train. If he stays clean, he’ll frustrate Embiid all night.
- The CJ McCollum Factor: How does CJ fit into the Hawks' system against Philly's perimeter defense? He’s a more traditional spacer than Trae, which might actually make Jalen Johnson even more dangerous.
This rivalry is weird, loud, and usually results in a lot of confused bettors. But that’s why we watch.
Next Steps for Fans:
Check the injury report two hours before tip-off on February 20. If Embiid is a "late scratch," the line will move 5-6 points instantly. Also, keep an eye on Jalen Johnson's points + rebounds prop; he’s been clearing the 30.5 mark with ease against Philadelphia's current defensive scheme.