A Closer Look at Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons’ Campaigns for All-NBA Awards
It’s no secret that with 26 games remaining in the regular season, how far this squad is able to climb up the East will be indicative of how effective Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons are down the stretch.
Key upcoming away games against the Bucks, Clippers, and Lakers are the primary matchups that will go a long way toward influencing voters.
After a contentious decision by voters to omit Embiid from the 1st Team last year, this year is his chance at redemption. Recently, he’s been a vocal leader about the team’s struggles on the road, and how it begins with him. He’s done quite the job doing some damage control for a fraction of his constituents, but now it’s time for Joel Embiid to put the larger, general electorate on notice. His outward campaign slogan appears to be “I’m the best player in the world”, and he has his 1st debate stage in Milwaukee, WI against the reigning and presumptive (currently) MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Alright, political analogies aside, Ben Simmons has his own race his vying for in Defensive Player of the Year. In all likelihood, he should be making his return from the break against the Bucks, the team that currently features the 3rd favorite for DPOY (Giannis +300). At +2500, Ben has some work to do in order to move up from 4th best. He’ll surely get his fair share of opportunities guarding the Greek Freak, but out West in LA is where he can make a statement.
Going up against Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James is objectively among the toughest player assignments in the NBA, and if he can mitigate their greatness in a couple of big team wins, the odds will surely shift. His teammate Joel Embiid can also help Ben’s case for DPOY by having a dominant offensive showing vs the betting favorite AD (-278).
The 5th place Sixers’ season is kicking into gear, with some big road tests ahead before their schedule gets significantly easier.
Stars Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons are in the process of making their cases to the rest of the league for some regular-season recognition, but fans can agree they’d ultimately much rather see some potential postseason recognition.
Featured Image: Bill Streicher/USA TODAY
Discover more from Philadelphia Sports Nation
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
