The Atlanta Hawks get set to clash against the suddenly sliding Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night inside State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. They tip it off at 7:30 pm. The 76ers just saw their red-hot eight-game winning streak snapped. The game is part of the league's In-Season Tournament Group Play. The 76ers are installed as a slim -1 point favorite. 

The 76ers (8-3) got off to that impressive and fast start but since their 8-1 run, they have dropped two straight games, including Wednesday's 117-107 against the Boston Celtics. The 76ers fell behind early in this one and trailed 37-22 after one quarter of play and they made it competitive late but could not get a stop when they needed one. 

Reigning MVP and franchise center Joel Embiid is listed as questionable for Friday's contest (hip). He has put up some monster numbers as he is averaging a monster 31.9 points per game to go along with 11.5 boards per game. He is playing both ends of the floor and his defensive presence would be missed if he can not go. 

The 76ers average around 119 points per game and they connect on 46% from the floor as well. They will have to figure out a way to slow down the pace in this one if Embiid can not go. They will lean on the shooting touch and play making ability of 23-year-old Tyrese Maxey who is ripping the nets for 27 a game. He has emerged as a big time scorer for the 76ers. 

The Hawks (6-5) haven't really gotten into any type of rhythm this season and they have also had some struggles at home as they post a mark of 2-3. They have dropped two of three and three of five overall after a decent four-game winning streak. 

They need to do a better job closing out games, including Wednesday's 116-114 loss to the New York Knicks. They had no answers for Knicks scorer Jalen Brunson who knocked down the go-ahead bucket with under 20 seconds to go in regulation. 

If Atlanta wants to beat the 76ers they must contain Maxey and they can not allow the 76ers to dominate on the boards and the glass. Offensively, the Hawks are paced by point guard Trae Young who scores 24 a game and has had some nice games against the 76ers in his career. He is a very streaky shooter but once he starts to get cooking he is a big time scorer. 

Atlanta can score as they are pouring in 120 points per clip, while connecting on a solid 37% from beyond the arc. 

The Hawks are 2-3 in their last five games and 1-4 in their last five games against the spread and they are also 3-3 in their road games against the spread. The 76ers are 3-2 in their last five games and 2-3 in their last five games against the number and 2-1 in their road games against the number.