KEY TWO: Observe Who Is Healthy?
Similar to the 2015-2016 season, the Philadelphia 76ers appear to be struggling maintaining healthy bodies to play in these early contests. With Simmons out for three months, Jerryd Bayless, Brandon Paul and Anthony Barber out as well, the team continues to test T.J.McConnell and Sergio Rodriguez as the only two healthy point guards.
But what of the other players?
Medical Updates
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 8, 2016
Out ⤵️
Barber, Bayless, Noel, Okafor, Paul, Stauskas
12-Minute Restrictions ⤵️
Embiid & Henderson
While Okafor and Noel remain on the bench, the center duties will fall to 12 minutes of Joel Embiid, and the remainder of the game will fall on the surprisingly capable shoulders of Richaun Holmes. While much of the rhetoric about roster battles and logjams have been the narrative, there has been little evidence of any competition so far.
"“He always plays hard, even in practice,” Embiid said of Holmes. “He always does his job. It’s funny, because practice, that’s how he is. I’m glad he’s doing what he’s doing right now, because he deserves it.”"
There is an intensity in Richaun Holmes right now, an intensity that resonates with the Philadelphia fans. If he remains on his current track and remains healthy, he could be a surprise center of this team heading into the season