Philadelphia 76ers must improve for NBA playoffs, but where?

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PHOENIX, AZ – DECEMBER 31: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers stands on the court during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 31, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The 76ers defeated the Suns 123-110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Expensive free throws

But perhaps the single deficiency to this team is the lackluster performance at the free throw line. Right now, the Philadelphia 76ers succeed on 75.5 percent of their free throw shots. While that seems okay, it’s only good enough for 22nd in the league.

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And it creates opportunities for opposing teams to leverage against the Philadelphia 76ers in a post-season forum. On one hand, Joel Embiid is good at the foul line, as he scores 80 percent of his shots. On the other hand, Ben Simmons is a far cry less effective, scoring at a 56 percent rate on his free throws.

Foul foul line

Simmons scores at 51 percent from the floor. Embiid scores at 48.9 percent from the floor. If Embiid is driving for the shot, his points per shot come in at .978 points per shot from the floor. Meanwhile, Ben Simmons comes in at 1.12 points per shot from the floor. But from the foul line, Joel Embiid averages 1.6 points for two foul shots, while Simmons averages 1.12. To an opponent, it is a tough decision to foul Embiid, but not much debate to foul Ben Simmons.

The reason is this: The foul likely only costs the team one point, and they will likely get the rebound and a possession by which they can quickly score two or three points. On top of that, a slow-paced opponent controls the game tempo by fouling Simmons. It neutralizes the 76ers offense should the Sixers find themselves in a scoring run.