(SportsNetwork.com) - The Atlanta Hawks have stormed their way to the top of the Southeast Division and stand a good chance of staying there with the Philadelphia 76ers scheduled to visit Philips Arena Wednesday evening.
The Hawks have won seven in a row and nine of the last 10 games, and will try to extend their home winning streak to five games. They are 9-2 at Philips Arena this season and handed the Indiana Pacers a 108-92 loss Monday.
Atlanta built a 28-18 lead after 12 minutes and had a 60-43 advantage at halftime. The Hawks led by at least 21 points in the second half and were paced by Al Horford's 25 points and eight rebounds.
"I thought that we were able to set a tone and make sure that we stuck to the game plan, make sure that we defended and rebounded, and make sure that the home team didn't get on any big runs," Horford said.
Jeff Teague scored 21 points for the Hawks, who shot 51.9 percent and sit tied with Washington in the division with identical 14-6 records. The Hawks have scored 90 or more points in every game this season and are 7-0 at home when holding opponents below 100 points.
Atlanta is averaging 104.0 points per game and sits seventh in the league with 103.7 ppg. It will also host Orlando Friday night.
The 76ers have the worst record in the NBA at 2-18, but have won two of the last three times on the floor. After they avoided the league's worst start to a season with a win at Minnesota last Wednesday, the Sixers lost to Oklahoma City Friday and came back the following night to win in Detroit.
Robert Covington scored 25 points off the bench and Michael Carter-Williams compiled 20 points, 15 assists and eight rebounds in the 108-101 overtime triumph. Luc Mbah a Moute added 14 points with 11 rebounds for the Sixers, who scored eight of the nine points in OT, made 46 percent from the field and held on with 19 turnovers.
"For our young guys to learn how to close out a legitimate close NBA game on the road was a fantastic experience for them," Sixers head coach Brett Brown said.
Philadelphia is 2-7 on the road as opposed to an 0-11 mark at home, and will visit Brooklyn Friday in the conclusion of this three-game road swing. It is last in scoring with 92.0 ppg.
76ers guard and leading scorer Tony Wroten (knee) is doubtful against the Hawks and has missed the last five games. He is averaging 17.9 points.
Atlanta and Philadelphia are playing the first of four meetings this season, and the Sixers dropped all three games last season.
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