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.

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“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.