The Philadelphia 76ers received big news just before tip-off on Sunday afternoon with the announcement that All-NBA center Joel Embiid was cleared to start in Game 1. The Atlanta Hawks wouldn’t be as fortunate, as a lingering knee issue sidelined starting small fowrad De’Andre Hunter. Hawks interim head coach Nate McMillan tapped Solomon Hill to replace Hunter in the starting lineup but, despite a stellar game from Embiid, the Hawks used a first half barrage to take Game 1 in Philadelphia.
Atlanta took control in the early going, burying triples and forcing turnovers. After taking a 20-point lead into halftime, and a 16-point lead into the final period, the team made the fans sweat en route to just a four-point win.