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Sixers-Hawks preview: Perfect chance for first home win

The Sixers will need to contain Hawks reserve Marco Belinelli.

Hawks reserve Marco Belinelli (3) shoots over Bulls center Robin Lopez during the second half Thursday in Chicago.
Hawks reserve Marco Belinelli (3) shoots over Bulls center Robin Lopez during the second half Thursday in Chicago.Read moreCharles Rex Arbogast / AP
    by Keith Pompey | Columnist
    Published 

Atlanta Hawks (1-6) at 76ers (3-4)

Wednesday at 7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center

Talking points

This matchup provides an ideal opportunity for the Sixers to get their first home win of the season. They're 0-2 at home, but 3-2 on the road. The rebuilding Hawks have the league's worst record and bring a six-game losing streak into the matchup. However, they have one of the league's top scorers off the bench in Marco Belinelli. The swingman averages 14.6 points and is shooting 55.0 percent on three-pointers. He also has made all 12 of his free throws. As a team, the Hawks have shot 42.2 percent on threes over their last three games. They made at least 10 three-pointers in each game. The Hawks are also the league's top foul-shooting team at 85.8 percent and tied for seventh in steals at 9.0 per game.

How to watch and follow the game

  1. TV and streaming: NBC Philadelphia

  2. Radio: 97.5 FM

  3. Twitter: @PompeyOnSixers; @NBASarah

Starting lineups

Hawks (1-6)

12 Taurean Prince SF 6-8 13.3 ppg 5.4 rpg.

31 Mike Muscala PF 6-11 7.7  ppg. 4.7 rpg.

14 Dewayne Dedmon C 6-10 7.4 ppg. 7.4 rpg.

24 Kent Bazemore SG 6-2 13.1 ppg. 3.6 apg.

17 Dennis Schroder PG 6-5 22.2 ppg. 6.8 apg.

Coach: Mike Budenholzer (fifth season, 190-145)

Injury report:  TBD

Sixers (3-4)

9 Dario Saric PF 6-4  7.7 ppg. 4.3 rpg.

33 Robert Covington PF 6-9  13.6 ppg. 1.7 spg.

21 Joel Embiid C 7-2 20.8 ppg. 10.0 rpg.

0 Jerryd Bayless SG 6-3  11.6 ppg. 1.9 apg.

25 Ben Simmons PG 6-10 18.4 ppg. 9.6 rpg.

Coach: Brett Brown (fifth season, 78-257)

Injury report: Richaun Holmes (left wrist fracture rehabilitation, TBD); J.J. Redick (lower-back tightness, TBD); Markelle Fultz (shoulder injury, out)

Head to head

The Hawks hold a 172-160 series advantage. They have won the last seven meetings. The last one was a 99-92 win for Atlanta on March 29. Former Hawks center Dwight Howard had 22 points and 20 rebounds. The Sixers were paced by Richaun Holmes, who finished with 25 points.

Coming games

Friday: 7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center, Indiana Pacers vs. Sixers

Tuesday: 9 p.m., at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Sixers vs. Utah Jazz

Nov. 9: 10 p.m., at Steep Train Arena, Sixers vs. Sacramento Kings

Nov. 11: 8:30 p.m., at Oracle Arena, Sixers vs. Golden State Warriors

Nov. 13: 10:30 p.m., at Staples Center, Sixers vs. Los Angeles Clippers