HAWKS, 76ERS MEET IN KEY EASTERN CONFERENCE MATCHUP PHILADELPHIA (Interstat) — The Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers, two teams heading in opposite directions, will clash Thursday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena in a game with playoff implications. The 76ers (30-24), holding the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference, look to stabilize after a pair of blowout losses. Philadelphia was routed 138-89 by the New York Knicks last Wednesday and fell 135-118 at Portland two days prior, halting momentum from a 6-1 stretch earlier in the month. Guard Tyrese Maxey remains the engine for Philadelphia, averaging 24.6 points and 6.2 assists. He scored 32 points in the loss to New York but will need more support as the team searches for consistent defense. Meanwhile, the visiting Hawks (26-30) arrive having lost three of their last four, including a 110-107 defeat at Charlotte last Wednesday. Atlanta’s season has been defined by the stellar all-around play of forward Jalen Johnson, who is in the midst of a historic individual run. Over his last 10 games, Johnson is averaging 24.3 points, 12.5 rebounds and 9.2 assists, posting four triple-doubles in that span, including a 22-point, 16-rebound, 15-assist performance in a win over Utah on Feb. 5. The season series is tied 1-1, with both games featuring prolific scoring. Atlanta won 142-134 in Philadelphia on Nov. 30, and 120-117 in Atlanta on Dec. 14. Philadelphia is installed as a 4.5-point favorite, with the over/under set at 235.5 points, reflecting the high-scoring nature of the previous meetings. For the Hawks, a win is crucial to stay within reach of the Play-In Tournament. For the slumping 76ers, protecting home court is vital to maintain their position in the top six and avoid the play-in scramble. The game tips off at 7 p.m. EST. Atlanta hosts Miami on Friday, while Philadelphia begins a three-game road trip at New Orleans on Saturday.