It’s almost over.
For the first time in weeks, the Philadelphia 76ers are coming off a win. After being out-tanked by the Washington Wizards, they’ll now aim to secure the fifth-best odds in the draft lottery as they host Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks.
The Hawks, in contrast to the Sixers, have put together a productive season with several compelling storylines. Leading the charge is Trae Young, who’s refined his game and is playing at an All-NBA level. Surrounded by a promising young core, Atlanta’s future looks bright.
No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher has had a solid rookie campaign, showing growth and flashes of potential. Although currently sidelined with an injury, Jalen Johnson Jr. has emerged as a reliable second scoring option, giving the Hawks a dynamic one-two punch when healthy. Meanwhile, Dyson Daniels has seamlessly fit into the backcourt next to Young. His perimeter defense and high deflection rate have made him a darkhorse candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.
There’s plenty to be excited about if you’re a Hawks fan — and for Sixers fans, reasons for some optimism might not be far off. A loss tonight would secure Philadelphia the fifth-best odds in the NBA Draft Lottery. That spot gives them a 10.5 percent chance at landing the first overall pick and a 63.9 percent chance of keeping their selection in the top six, which would prevent it from going to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Ideal? Not exactly — especially considering the expectations the Sixers had coming into the season. But as far as a mid-year tank goes, they’ve done everything they can to pile up the losses.
With the plethora of opportunities created by the Sixers’ late-season tank, several players have stepped up and taken full advantage of their expanded roles. Most recently, Jeff Dowtin Jr. has turned heads with a career-high 30-point performance.
Previously sidelined due to two-way contract limitations, Dowtin has quietly built a strong case for himself ahead of free agency. Over his last nine games, he’s averaging 17.3 points while shooting 57.9 percent from the field and 45.7 percent from beyond the arc.
Rookie big man Adem Bona has also been playing his best basketball of the season as of late. Over his last seven games, he’s averaging 14.9 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.7 blocks and 1.1 steals in 30.7 minutes per game.
Perhaps even more impressive has been his improved discipline on the defensive end — he’s managed to keep his fouls in check, averaging just 3.4 per game during that stretch. For a high-energy rim protector still adjusting to the NBA pace, that’s a promising sign of growth.
Nearly all fans have shifted their focus to what’s ahead, rather than what’s right in front of them. Fortunately, there’s only one more game left after this one. We’ll see if the Sixers can lock up the fifth spot in the reverse standings as we inch closer to the end of the regular season.
Game Details
When: Friday, April 11, 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers