The Sixers are on the precipice of their first playoff sweep in 30 years as they look to complete the sweep against the Washington Wizards.
After three games, none of which were particularly close, the Sixers and Wizards will face off in potentially the last game of the series. Joel Embiid and the team will look to earn themselves a bit of rest heading into the second round, where they will likely face the Atlanta Hawks (though the Knicks aren’t dead yet.)
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A win would give the Sixers some typically beneficial time off and would mark the first four-game playoff sweep in the franchise’s history.
Sixers Keys to the Game
While the series has fallen in the Sixers’ favor so far, they can’t take anything for granted. It’s time for Philly to finish off Washington and secure their rightful place in the next round. In order to do so, they’ll have to come focused and ready to play, making sure that they follow what’s worked so far.
Em-V-Biid
The game plan, of course, starts and ends with Joel Embiid. The Sixers’ big man has put on a show so far in the playoffs. He’s averaged 29.3 points with a shooting line of 67.4/54.5/86.9. All that in less than 28 minutes per game.
It’s clear as crystal that the Wizards don’t have the means to stop Embiid. Washington Wizards Head Coach Scott Brooks even said as much with his recent comments. The Sixers and the Wizards are in different stratospheres, and it’s thanks in large part to Joel Embiid.
As always, it’s about riding the hot hand. That is especially when that hand belongs to a top-five player in the NBA.
Keep Simmons Engaged
Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris have both played major roles in the Sixers’ first three games. However, it hasn’t just been their efforts that’s provided the difference. Simmons has played much better in this playoff series than he has in years past and him keeping up this level of play is crucial to the team’s continued success.
Simmons has averaged 14 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 10.7 assists while manning the perimeter defensively for the Sixers. His numbers during the playoffs so far are reminiscent of Jason Kidd during the 2007 playoffs.
The potential difference in this year’s playoffs has been the level of engagement that Simmons has shown. He’s much more determined this time around by all appearances. When he puts his mind to it, Simmons can be one of the most dominant two-way players in the league. The Sixers will need Simmons to continue this aggressive streak if they’re going to make any real noise in the playoffs.
Sixers Game Time
The Philadelphia 76ers and Washington Wizards will face off at 7:00 PM EST. You can catch the game on TNT, or if you prefer the local broadcast, you can still watch it on NBC Sports Philadelphia. You can also listen live at 97.5 FM The Fanatic.
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