By Skip Charles in Vegas
The Sixers Ben Simmons is a 6-11 point guard and therefore a matchup nightmare.
Tonight in Denver, it’s Aaron Gordon’s turn to slow Benny down.
| 7:00 PM ET, TUE MAR 30 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| CHR WAS | -2.5 +2.5 | | 231.5 |
| 9:00 PM ET, TUE MAR 30 | |||
| SIXERS DEN | +4.5 -4.5 | 40% 60% | 221 |
| 10:00 PM ET, TUE MAR 30 | |||
| ORL LAC | +10.5 -10.5 | | 218.5 |
| 10:00 PM ET, TUE MAR 30 | |||
| ATL PHO | +7 -7 | | 222.5 |
With averages of nearly 16 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game this season, Simmons does a little bit of everything, including play lockdown defense.
Denver (third in offensive rebound percentage) and Philly (seventh) are two of the best offensive rebounding teams in the league this season, with that being a driving force for both offenses on a regular basis.
For the 76ers, earning extra possessions on the boards helps overcome the 27th-ranked turnover percentage, while Denver works to overcome the 30th-ranked free-throw rate through extra possessions.
On the other end of the floor, both teams are close together in terms of finishing defensive possessions with a rebound. Philly ranks 11th in opponent offensive rebound percentage, while Denver is slightly behind at 15th. Dwight Howard could see a larger role tonight guarding Nikola Jokić and help the 76ers on the defensive glass.
The Sixers are fourth in the league in frequency of possessions beginning with a transition play, which helps overcome the league’s 18th-ranked halfcourt offense. Unfortunately for Denver, getting back and defending in transition has been a challenge this season, as the Nuggets rank 24th in the league in their opponent’s points added per 100 possessions through transition play.
