The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers Ben Simmons holds key to 76ers NBA Playoffs

By Bret Stuter

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 2: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks with the media after the game against the Miami Heat on February 2, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 2: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks with the media after the game against the Miami Heat on February 2, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 6: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Washington Wizards on February 6, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Simmons key for NBA Playoffs

Simmons is the key to the NBA Playoffs for the Philadelphia 76ers. While the NBA braces to face and neutralize Joel Embiid, they take their eye of the other young star.  And it’s that way for any newcomer to the Playoffs. And that is something these Philadelphia 76ers must come to expect, and play through.

But it will not simply be  a matter of just showing up to the post-season stage. it will be a matter of paying the dues, earning their reputation, and winning games by outplaying the competition. And it cannot fall to one player. Simmons cannot allow that to happen.

The NBA will test Embiid’s durability. Simmons must be ready.

Turnabout is fair play on Turnovers

We know that Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid account for nearly half of the team’s league worst 16.7 turnovers per game. That statistic has not improved in the slightest as the team rolls into the last third.  So far, the 76ers continue to win.  But that will not be the case as the Sixers enter post season. Any vulnerability will be the first area exploited by their opponents. So the 76ers have already broadcast several strategies for playoff opponents to challenge them.

Next: Philly was well represented in Rising Stars Challenge

But that could prove to be a 76ers advantage too. Heading into post season, knowing what the team does not do well, gives the 76ers an advantage of sorts.  Once more, it’s up to Simmons. A seven game series does afford the 76ers’ rookie a short duration series to set the tone.  Unlike the different-opponent-every-night, Simmons will be able to set up the opponent. And you can bet that head coach Brett Brown will take full advantage of his towering point to center height. Simmons must step up. He must facilitate. But most of all, he must lead the team now. And he will.