Take early standings for what they’re worth, but the winner of Monday’s game at State Farm Arena will sit atop the East, as the 76ers (2-0) and Hawks (2-0) happen to be the only remaining undefeated teams in the conference.
The Sixers’ task will be a tricky one, as they attempt to quell Atlanta point man Trae Young, who's on a major hot streak.
The 2018 fifth overall pick has opened his sophomore season in electric fashion, averaging a league-high 38.5 points per game through his first two outings. He went for 38 points at the Pistons in the Hawks' opener, then exploded for 39 points Saturday against the Magic.
Young has hit at least five 3-pointers in both of his team’s wins thus far.
“He’s the head of the snake,” former Hawk Mike Scott said at Monday’s shootaround. “He’s a great player.”
Fortunately for the Sixers, they're off to a solid start too, particularly when it comes to closing out games.
In their two victories, the Sixers have shone in the second half.
The Sixers have outscored their opponents 121-99 in those second halves, and out-assisted opponents, 33-19.
Overall, Tobias Harris leads the way in scoring (22.0 ppg) and rebounding (11.0 rpg) thus far, while Ben Simmons is averaging team-highs in assists (9.5 apg) and steals (3.5 spg).
Al Horford has been strong in his first two outings as a Sixer, including a 23-point, nine-rebound, five-assist performance against Detroit in the absence of Joel Embiid Saturday (ankle sprain).
Embiid is questionable Monday.
Opponent Outlook:
In his second season at the helm for Atlanta, former Sixers’ assistant coach Lloyd Pierce has led the young Hawks to a 2-0 start. They've already topped the Magic, 103-99, and Pistons, 117-100. Jabari Parker has been solid, averaging 14.0 points and 2.5 boards per game. To open his third NBA season, John Collins recorded a 18-point, 10-rebound double-double in the team’s debut.
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