Sixers: 5 storylines to watch in opening round vs. Wizards

Sixers storyline to watch: Mr. Triple-Double

Russell Westbrook has been in the headlines of late, and for good reason. He broke Oscar Robertson’s triple-double record and was a major factor (arguably even the leading factor) in Washington’s second-half surge. The Wizards are the eight seed in large part because Westbrook got hot at the right time.

When it comes to defending Westbrook, there are varying theories on the subject. Ben Simmons is pretty much the cheat code. His length and athleticism would, in this writer’s opinion, guarantee the former MVP a rough go of things in the first round. If you decide to match Simmons with Beal, then next in line is Danny Green. To that I say: sure, it probably works out.

Despite the impressive counting stats, Westbrook is not a particularly difficult player to defend. Even if you rely on Green, or even Tobias Harris, Westbrook would start even possession with a 10-foot cushion and a permanent invitation to shoot. The Sixers will have Embiid ready to meet Westbrook at the rim, and more than enough active hands to keep his passing lanes at a minimum.

Westbrook’s facilitation is probably his most lethal skill. The Sixers should not worry about Westbrook burying them as a scorer, nor is his defense going to win games. Westbrook is first and foremost a passer these days, and if the Sixers can stifle his momentum toward the rim, he will naturally have a difficult time finding rhythm.

In short: this matchup does not concern me.