Keep an eye on these three players during tonight’s Sixers game.
Looking to capture their third straight victory to kick off the new NBA season, the Sixers will be taking on the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight. Despite possessing an all-around uninspiring roster, the Cavs have started off the season with a 2-0 start themselves – highlighted by the improving play of guards Colin Sexton and Darius Garland.
Here are the three players worth keeping an eye on during tonight’s battle of the undefeated:
Danny Green
Danny Green hasn’t had the hottest of offensive starts to his Philadelphia career, as he has just eight total points thus far, however he’s been impactful in other areas of the game. His presence on the court inherently creates more space for Embiid and Simmons, and he’s already racked up six total steals.
Tonight, he’ll face his biggest challenge.
Sexton and Garland are both averaging 20+ PPG at the moment, and Green will likely be tasked with guarding one of them at all times. A big reason Daryl Morey targeted Green was due to his defensive capabilities – let’s see if he can deliver.
Matisse Thybulle
After barely making an appearance during the Sixers first two games, fans are understandably confused as to what Matisse Thybulle‘s role is at the moment. Is he a bench player? A reserve? A future trade piece?
After the team’s Opening Night win, Doc Rivers claimed that Thybulle would see his fair share of opportunities. Considering the Cavs’ strong backcourt – this feels like a game where ‘Tisse should see increased action. Him locking up Garland or Sexton for 10+ minutes tonight would do a ton in terms of increasing his standing with Rivers.
Tobias Harris
Tobias Harris looked better against the Knicks (17pts, 5reb, +32), but there’s still work to be done in terms of him fitting alongside this new-look starting five. Harris needs to make quicker decisions, and needs to provide much more in terms of spacing the floor.
It wouldn’t hurt to see him step up on the defensive side of the ball either.
While some people are already jumping to the idea of “dumping” Harris is a lopsided trade deal – I’m not quite there yet. He’s a solid player, who needs to continue to have good game after good game moving forward. Putting on another strong performance against the Cavs would be a great starting point
Tip-off is at 7:30 PM ET.
Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire
