The April 11, 2025 matchup between the Atlanta Hawks and the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center features two teams traveling vastly different paths as the NBA regular season nears its conclusion. For the Hawks, this game is all about staying alive in the Eastern Conference play-in race, as they enter with a 37-42 record and little room for error. Currently fighting to hold or improve their positioning among the bottom seeds, the Hawks are looking to build momentum and continue their push behind the elite play of Trae Young. Philadelphia, on the other hand, has endured a lost season, sitting at 24-56 and officially eliminated from playoff contention. While their season is effectively over from a postseason standpoint, the 76ers now serve the role of spoiler, aiming to disrupt Atlanta’s momentum and develop their young core in the process. These teams last met on March 10, where the Hawks walked away with a 132-123 victory, comfortably covering the spread and showcasing their offensive firepower in a game that hit well over the total line. Given both teams’ tendencies to favor high-paced, offensive-oriented basketball, another high-scoring affair seems likely. Atlanta’s playoff urgency has become evident in recent weeks, especially with Young leading the charge. He’s averaging an impressive 25.9 points and 12.4 assists per game, and remains the offensive focal point, capable of creating shots for himself and his teammates under pressure. The Hawks thrive in transition and rely heavily on perimeter shooting, quick ball movement, and aggressive play from their backcourt. Bogdan Bogdanović, De’Andre Hunter, and Clint Capela provide secondary support, with Capela continuing to dominate the glass and protect the rim while Young orchestrates from the top.

Defensively, Atlanta still has vulnerabilities—they surrender over 117 points per game and rank in the bottom third of the league in several key defensive metrics—but their strategy often leans into outscoring opponents rather than stifling them. That high-risk, high-reward approach worked against Philadelphia last time, and they’ll aim to replicate that success with fast starts and scoring bursts. Atlanta’s path to victory will rely on maintaining composure, limiting unforced turnovers, and closing quarters strong—something they’ve struggled with in losses. Philadelphia, meanwhile, is using these final games to evaluate the potential of their young pieces. Quentin Grimes and rookie Justin Edwards have emerged as promising contributors, each scoring 25 points in the last meeting with Atlanta. With Joel Embiid missing the bulk of the season due to injury, the 76ers have had to reconfigure their offense around pace and ball movement, with mixed results. They’re averaging around 112 points per game but lack consistent shot creators, making it difficult to sustain leads or close tight games. Defensively, the team has underwhelmed, allowing over 117 points per contest and struggling with help-side rotations and defending the pick-and-roll. Despite that, their offensive flashes—especially against teams with loose perimeter defense like the Hawks—give them the ability to keep games interesting. For head coach Nick Nurse, this game is less about standings and more about laying the foundation for future success, instilling a competitive culture, and identifying which young players can thrive under pressure. Given their ability to score in bunches and push the pace, they can’t be overlooked even if their postseason hopes have long since faded. In totality, this game carries high emotional and strategic value for Atlanta and a developmental lens for Philadelphia. With the Hawks fighting to lock in a spot for postseason contention and the 76ers looking to test their young core against a playoff-hungry opponent, fans should expect a fast-paced, high-energy matchup. If recent history is any indication, scoring will come in waves, and the team that can string together key defensive stops late will likely emerge victorious. The Hawks have the edge in experience and urgency, but the 76ers have nothing to lose—a dangerous position for any opponent facing a team playing with pride and freedom.