Philadelphia 76ers vs. Washington Wizards: X-factors, key matchups, prediction

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Washington Wizards: Key matchups

Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal vs. Ben Simmons 

Simmons has had an outstanding year on the defensive end of the floor and if his goal is to indeed be an elite defensive player, he’s going to need a splash moment in the playoffs – stopping one of Westbrook or Beal will be his task in this series.

Theoretically, you have to believe that Simmons wi have an opportunity to do so. Simmons has the athleticism and length to make life hard for either of those two players. This will be a good test for Simmons early in the playoffs and could help get him engaged right from the opening tip.

Joe Embiid vs. Washington’s frontcourt 

There’s not really any one sole defender in the NBA that has proven they can stop Embiid on the offensive end, and I don’t think Washington’s frontcourt will have much luck either. But that’s what it will take for Washington to have a shot in this series; they’re going to have to limit Embiid, who will likely finish second in NBA MVP voting this season.

Even though the Wizards likely won’t be able to stop Embiid, perhaps forcing him to play a more perimeter game is the way to attack him defensively. That might be Washington’s only shot at stopping him with the type of season that he’s had this year.