The Philadelphia 76ers have been on a rampant win streak, making it nine in a row against the Atlanta Hawks last night, despite playing without All-Star center Joel Embiid.
Rookie sensation Ben Simmons stepped up in a major way, though, tallying his 11th triple-double of the season with 13 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists; also chipping in a steal and a pair of blocks for good measure. It was also his fifth triple-double in March, giving him the second most total for any rookie in a calendar month ever — behind the great Oscar Robertson.
Head coach Brett Brown had implored his team to tread carefully until Embiid's return, to which Simmons took notice post-game, sending his teammate a message as the big man watches from the hospital.
Article Continues Below“Get ready for the playoffs,” Simmons told NBC Sports Philadelphia courtside reporter Molly Sullivan. “We're gonna hold it down”.
The Sixers have a great chance to pull this winning streak to double-digits, taking on the Charlotte Hornets on the road on Sunday, only to come back home and face the Brooklyn Nets in Philly — both very winnable games.
Embiid's absence not only takes away his offensive contributions of 23 points and 11 boards per game, but also his shot-blocking and the intimidation factor of a legitimate 7-footer on the block.
The Sixers are only a half-game behind the Cleveland Cavaliers for a coveted third spot, as both teams have picked up steam coming into the end of the season. Both teams will square off on Apr. 6, a matchup that will likely prove pivotal vying for third place in the Eastern Conference.