Sixers vs. Grizzlies: 5 things to watch for in first Orlando scrimmage

3. Playmakers of the future

The marquee for this matchup likely includes Ben Simmons and Ja Morant, who are two of the most exciting young playmakers in basketball. Even as he transitions to a heftier off-ball role, Simmons will probably lead the Sixers in touches. Morant is the runaway favorite for Rookie of the Year, an award Simmons took home not long ago.

Before the suspension of play, Morant averaged 17.6 points and 6.9 assists while shooting 49.1 percent from the field. He’s a dynamic athlete on the perimeter, overcoming a slender frame with finesse and craft. He can rise over defenders, or snake around them to finish in traffic. Add elite handles, and Morant’s entertainment value exceeds a slew of more established point guards.

On the other hand, Simmons is a 6-foot-10 freight train who can seemingly do everything except shoot 3s. At least, that was the case before the hiatus, when he averaged 16.7 points and 8.2 assists on 58.5 percent shooting. One can expect similar production in Orlando, even if he’s yielding some halfcourt possessions to Shake Milton.

Both Simmons and Morant are electric when the game speeds up. Simmons can outrun and overpower anyone, while Morant is a much shiftier ball-handler, slicing and dicing through defenders at full speed. If this game speeds up, expect a high dosage of highlight plays from these two.