Subscribe
Follow Us
The Philadelphia 76ers are in a tough spot as Joel Embiid got hurt in Game 4. They were up 3-0 in the series but the Washington Wizards won the game to extend it. Now, Ben Simmons will have to take over for the Sixers moving forward as Embiid is listed as doubtful for Game 5.
The Wizards may have a better shot with Embiid out but the Sixers are still a tough team to go up against. Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal will have to play extremely well to elevate the team. Simmons will be the main player in the way as he is a star who can defend anyone in the league. He is also a great facilitator on the offensive end and a good finisher at the rim.
Here are three reasons why the Wizards should be scared of Ben Simmons in Joel Embiid's absence.
Ability to anchor the defense
Simmons is a great defender and he can anchor the defense for the Sixers. He is among the finalists for Defensive Player of the Year and has shown his ability to guard all five positions. His defense will be key as the Sixers need to play well defensively to make up for the scoring with Embiid out.
Look for Simmons to lead the defense the rest of the series to elevate the team's play with Embiid sidelined.
Playmaking ability
Simmons' strength on the offensive side of the ball is his playmaking ability. He will need to continue to be a great playmaker for the offense to flow without Embiid. Simmons will need to get the shooters confident early in the game to maintain a solid offensive output. Although the Sixers aren't as lethal without Embiid, they still have the talent to score on the offensive end.
Simmons will need to step up even more in the playmaking department but the Sixers can still hurt the Wizards with their offense.
Attacks the rim more often
With Embiid out, Simmons will need to be more aggressive on the offensive end. More shots will be available and he is great at finishing at the rim. Although scoring isn't the strength of his game, he is still a solid scorer. He averaged 14.3 points per outing in the regular season and has the ability to ramp it up. While he may not have a great scoring game, he could have around 25 points to pair with his regular amount of rebounds and assists.
While Simmons has never been known as a big-time scorer, he has the talent to have big games. He had a career-high 42 points in February against the Utah Jazz. Simmons can take over Game 5, which should make the Wizards scared. The Wizards will have to play near-perfect level basketball to beat the Sixers.
Westbrook and Beal will have to carry the load against the Sixers. Even without Embiid, the Doc Rivers-coached squad is still very talented and Simmons could spearhead the victory. The Wizards will have to limit Simmons in almost all aspects of his game to have a shot.
It is an uphill climb for the Wizards but they still have a shot at winning the series. If Embiid stays out for an extended period, the focus needs to shift towards Simmons.
Look for Ben Simmons to give the Wizards a scare with his fellow All-Star sidelined.
