Sir Charles in Charge
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NBA: 10 takeaways from the first quarter of the 2017-18 season

By Evan Dyal

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 24: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts in front of Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks after hitting a three point shot during the fourth quarter at TD Garden on October 24, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Knicks 110-89. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 24: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts in front of Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks after hitting a three point shot during the fourth quarter at TD Garden on October 24, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Knicks 110-89. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 18: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates after hitting a three pointer against the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Wells Fargo Center on November 18, 2017 in Philadelphia,Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 18: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates after hitting a three pointer against the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Wells Fargo Center on November 18, 2017 in Philadelphia,Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Philly’s terrifying frontline 

The Sixers are coming, and they are coming faster than we thought. Philadelphia has been balling despite playing a road-heavy schedule filled with tough games. They are doing it without 1st overall pick Markelle Fultz. The key has been the frontline of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.

Simmons is averaging 18 points on 52 percent shooting, to go along with nine rebounds and eight assists per game. He is clearly the best rookie in the NBA at the moment.

Embiid has picked up where he left off last season. Perhaps most importantly, Embiid now is playing more minutes and playing in back to backs. Currently, he is producing ridiculous stat lines. Embiid is averaging 22.8 points, 10.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.9 blocks per game.

He was coming off a 46 point performance at the Lakers last week. His PER is 24.15, his true shooting percentage is 59 percent, and his passing is much improved as he has a 12.7 assist ratio. Defensively, he is a monster as he leads the league at defensive RPM. He already is an elite rim protector and changes several shots per game.

These two together are already a problem, and they are only going to get better. Together their net rating is +12.7. These two and the Sixers will get better every game.

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