Atlanta Hawks vs. Philadelphia 76ers Prediction: Expect Onyeka Okongwu To Shine Tonight
The Atlanta Hawks travel to Philadelphia to take on the 76ers tonight. Ben Rajavuori explains why you should expect Onyeka Okongwu to shine tonight. Read on to see what Ben's NBA game pick is.
Ben Rajavuori - February 9, 2024, 2:35 PM EST
5 minAtlanta Hawks vs. Philadelphia 76ers Prediction: Expect Onyeka Okongwu To Shine Tonight
The Atlanta Hawks are coming off some difficult games, as they have back-to-back losses against the red-hot Los Angeles Clippers and Boston Celtics. However, they have covered four of their last five games, which is more important for bettors. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers are still adjusting to life without Joel Embiid, and are 1-7 over their last eight games, which includes a three-game losing streak against the Brooklyn Nets, Dallas Mavericks, and most recently, the Golden State Warriors. Can the Sixers bounce back at home tonight against the Hawks?
ATLANTA HAWKS VS. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS DATE, TIME, AND WHERE TO WATCH
- Date: February 9, 2024
- Game Time: 7:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: NBA TV
ATLANTA HAWKS VS. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS PREDICTION
While the Sixers are dealing with the loss of Joel Embiid, for the time being, the Hawks are also dealing with an injury to their big man, Clint Capela. Capela was diagnosed with a left adductor strain which he suffered against the Warriors back on February 3. In the two games since he got hurt, Onyeka Okongwu has started in his spot and has done very well. When Capela is healthy, Okongwu sees decent but limited time off the bench. His average is 25 minutes on the season and he has just five starts this year. However, over the last two games, he has played 34 and 36 minutes in the absence of Capela.
In the five games Okongwu has started this season, he has averaged 34 minutes. He has averaged 10 points and 6.88 rebounds per game on the season overall, but in the five games he has started, he has averaged 17.2 points and 8.2 rebounds. That is important for tonight because he is still expected to start in the place of Capela and his points+rebounds line is just 21.5. Has passed this in all five games he has started this season.
The line for Okongwu tonight doesn’t seem to fully reflect his minutes and usage being bumped up while taking the place of Capela. While the two split time when Capela was healthy, Okongwu is definitely playing a very predominant role in this offense, as there are other injuries to the Hawks right now as well, like DeAndre Hunter, and now, Dejounte Murray. With Okongwu assuming a larger role, the line has not fully adjusted yet, so we will take full advantage and take the over 21.5 points+rebounds line for Okongwu tonight. It is jumping to 22.5 on some books and may get even higher today, so lock it in ASAP.
ATLANTA HAWKS VS. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS Pick
Pick: Onyeka Okongwu Over 21.5 Points+Rebounds -127 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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