Featured Matchup: Denver Nuggets
At this point, it’s well documented that the Sixers will host the Celtics on opening night (10/23). This first game will, of course, be a chance for the Sixers to make a statement, but it’ll be unreasonable to draw too many conclusions about this new-look squad after their first NBA game together.
As with any new group, you can expect a learning/chemistry curve of a few games or so. Hence, by the time November 8th rolls around when the Sixers face the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center, one should expect a performance indicative of a championship-caliber team.
After their first game at home, the Sixers actually head on the road for 6 of their next 7 games, highlighted by a 4 game road trip out West which wraps up against the loaded Western Conference’s 2nd seed from the previous season. Consequently, this 8th game will be quite the stage for the Sixers to embolden their identity as a Finals contender.
Nuggets’ Expected Starting 5
PG: Jamal Murray
SG: Gary Harris
SF: Jerami Grant
PF: Paul Millsap
C: Nikola Jokic
Simmons vs Murray
Ben will be tasked with guarding one of the NBA’s budding stars in Jamal Murray. A gifted scorer, Murray highlighted his ability to put the ball in the basket by dropping 48pts against the Celtics last season (11/5/2018). However, with Murray at just 6’4, Simmons (6’10) should be able to be quite the disruptor. Ben’s size allows him to present an extremely tough matchup for Murray by taking away his bread and butter: the pick and roll with Nikola Jokic. This matchup should be a great opportunity for Ben to showcase how impactful he can be on the defensive end of the floor through his ability to fight through screens and swiftly close out when contesting a Murray jumper.
Richardson vs Harris
Not to be confused for his teammate Tobias, Gary Harris presents an intriguing test for Josh Richardson. For some reason, it seems Gary Harris continues to fly under the radar. Through 5 seasons, his career averages are impressive, even with the deflator that is his rookie season, where he only saw around 13 minutes per game. A much more even matchup height-wise (Harris 6’4 vs Richardson 6’6), Richardson needs to make an impact against a proficient shooter like Harris via his length (6’10 wingspan). All in all, this test will serve as a great barometer for Richardson early in the season, as Harris has shown he’s more than capable of being reliable shooter by dropping 36pts more than once.
Embiid vs Jokic
This matchup will certainly headline as the main event within this contest. Outgained by 39 voting points for 2019 All-NBA First Team Center, Embiid will surely look to prove most of last season’s voters wrong. Joel will be able to put his entire repertoire on full display, from his elite rim protection and finishing ability to his unique ability to guard/shot contest outside the paint when necessary.
This game already has the makings of one of the best heavyweight bouts Sixers fans will see all season, as Jokic was named All-NBA First Team for a reason(whether we Sixers fans like or not). Jokic’s game features versatility on the offensive end somewhat reminiscent of Embiid, but what makes the “Joker” truly impressive is his incredible vision and passing ability as a big man. 7.3 assists per game from a big is unheard of quite frankly, and I cannot wait to see how Embiid deals with his rare skillset.
At the very least, it will be a much-welcomed test of Joel’s discipline as a defender early on in a long 82+ game season.
How the Sixers handle this early slew of road games will be quite telling, most notably when they conclude against a fellow Finals hopeful in the Denver Nuggets. Game #8 of 82 will serve as quite the spectacle of young talent and star-studded matchups across the board.
Featured Image: Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
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Categorized:Sixers