The Sixers host the Atlanta Hawks, losers of 13 of their last 20, tonight with a shot to move within 2.5 games of the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference. The last meeting between these two teams saw the Sixers walk away 117-83 in Atlanta.
Just two days ago the Hawks lost to the Bulls by 33 and haven't looked liked the same team since the around the start of February when they looked in line to host a first round playoff series. The Sixers on the other hand have been hot for the past two months going 19-9 and pulling themselves up from ninth in the conference to sixth.
As Liberty Ballers points out, a win tonight reduces the Sixers' magic number to four, which is something that could barely have been imagined when the team started off 3-13. The next could weeks are pivotal to the Sixers' playoff seeding and chances at a first round win. Overtaking Atlanta for the fifth seed means a matchup with the Orlando Magic, whereas remaining in sixth or slipping to seventh means a decidedly tougher date with the Heat or Celtics.
Andre Iguodala, who has been battling knee tendinitis and missed Saturday's Portland game, is expected to play tonight.