NBA: Resetting the East team rosters heading into the restart

5th: Philadelphia 76ers (↑ 1)

This one is going to be interesting.

Currently sitting in the 6th spot in the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers have the chance to climb a few spots in the eight games slated for the NBA restart. With only two games separating 4th-6th place, the 76ers could put some pressure on the seeds above them with their unique brand of basketball.

That brand, however, is subject to change.

Over the break, Brett Brown and the Sixer’s staff worked with the team and determined to reshuffle the starting lineup. The major change is Ben Simmons‘ shift to the power forward spot on the floor. This moves veteran big man Al Horford to a reduced role on the bench and slides Shake Milton into the starting lineup at the point, all while keeping Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, and Josh Richardson at their respective positions.

Let’s start with Big Ben, the 2017-18 rookie of the year who was formerly known as one of the longest point guards in the game. Now at the power forward spot, Simmons can use his size to his advantage and attack the rim more often.

Coach Brown said that along with Simmons’ inside game, Ben has also changed his approach to shooting the 3-pointer that has haunted him thus far in his career.

In scrimmage action, Simmons already seems more aggressive with the deep ball; hopefully a sign of things to come.

Aside from the Simmons shooting gallery, Joel Embiid is also going to have to  step up big in the NBA restart and produce consistently for the Sixers.

After just returning from a shoulder strain that sidelined Embiid just prior to the break, Joel went down again with right calf tightness in a recent scrimmage game. Staying healthy is going to be crucial for the big man if the Sixers want to make any noise in a playoff series.

Also on the injury list, Zhaire Smith remains out for the season with a bone bruise on his foot. Along with Smith, two-way player Ryan Broekhoff did not travel with the team due to personal matters.

In Sixers’ practice notes, rookie Matisse Thybulle has been making a strong impression in practice with Brown and company.

"“You just feel like his presence keeps people on their toes,” said Brown, “He’s just been so elite.”"

Thybulle has been solid so far in his rookie campaign, averaging 4.9 points per game in 18 minutes of action. If the new-look Sixers can gel together with this updated lineup, Philadelphia has the chance to upset a first-round match up and possibly make a deep run into the postseason.