The Philadelphia 76ers travel to Georgia to face the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on Thursday.

The Sixers (31-17) come into this matchup winning six of their last seven games and just got Joel Embiid back from injury. That's scary to think that a team this hot just got back one of the best players in the NBA and his absence might have been a blessing in disguise. It got Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris, Al Horford and Matisse Thybulle all rolling and this team would be truly frightening if they continue their recent success with Embiid back in the fold. The thing that's really made them dynamic is their defense though, allowing the second-fewest points in the NBA. This club has the talent to keep that going and this is certainly a team no one wants to face now or in the postseason.

The Hawks (12-36) own a 4-4 record over their last eight games and that's sadly one of their best stretches of the season. Prior to that, the Hawks lost 14 of their previous 16 games and that run has them well out of playoff contention. Not being in playoff contention in the east is downright embarrassing and it simply makes no sense when you look at talented players like Trae Young and John Collins making up this roster. Where they've really fallen apart is on the defensive end of the floor. In fact, they currently sit 29th in points allowed and 27th in defensive efficiency. That obviously won't get it done and one has to wonder if they'll keep rebuilding at the fast-approaching trade deadline.

Philly won the first game over Atlanta earlier this season, 105-103, October 28. Prior to that, the Hawks won their previous three games over the Sixers which followed up a four-game winning streak by Philly.