The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers Preview: 5 Things to Look For in Opener

By Kevin Kolodziej

Oct 8, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavaliers won 108-105. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavaliers won 108-105. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 18, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts to a play against the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts to a play against the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

1 – How Will the Sixers Contain Russell Westbrook?

While the Philadelphia 76ers have a plethora of young and talented big men, the same can not be said about their situation at the guard position.

Their guards will most likely be the team’s biggest weakness this season (both offensively and defensively) and unfortunately for them, they have the task of going up against a Top-5 player in the league in that position to open their season.

Over the past few years, Russell Westbrook has reached NBA-superstar status alongside former teammate Kevin Durant. Now, with Durant in Golden State, Westbrook has more on a chip on his shoulder than ever before and wants to prove that he can be the sole-leader of the Thunder.

According to bovada.lv, Westbrook is the favorite to win the 2016-17 NBA MVP Award, now that he doesn’t have to share the ball with Durant.

If Ben Simmons were healthy, he’d likely be given the task of guarding Westbrook for the majority of the evening, but since he’s not, the Sixers will probably have some trouble containing the five-time All-Star.

Sergio Rodriguez and T.J. McConnell will be the two point guards for the Sixers on opening night, and neither really has the athleticism or speed to stick with Westbrook (honestly, not many players across the entire NBA do).

It will be interesting to see what type of defense coach Brett Brown draws up to attempt to contain Westbrook, but it could end up being a long night for the Sixers’ guards.