Discount the Hawks at your own peril. Since the start of March, the Hawks are 34-14. They have won four of six road playoff games, including twice in Philadelphia. The Hawks beat the 76ers when down by 18 points and defeated them again when trailing by 26 points.

Just what is so good about the 76ers that they should be this high of a favorite? 

Doc Rivers isn't a great bench coach. Joel Embiid is dealing with a tear in his right knee and is highly frustrated. Ben Simmons has to be lifted during crucial moments because he can't be trusted. The 76ers haven't proven anything. 

The 76ers have yet to hold Trae Young in check. The Hawks lost by five points in Game 6 because they only made 13 of 24 free throws, shot 41 percent from the floor and hit just 10 3-pointers out of 31 shots. The looks were there. Atlanta just had a cold-shooting game.

All the pressure is on the 76ers. Moreso because they are home. Atlanta is on house money. The 76ers have choked before against this team at home. They are not worthy of being this high of a favorite.