Sixers: Joel Embiid will dominate Wizards in first round series

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Alex Len (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Now that the Washington Wizards have defeated the Indiana Pacers, the Sixers now know that they will face the dynamic duo of Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal. While the guard play will help the Wizards stay in this series, it’s the play at center that will help the Philadelphia 76ers win this first round matchup in short order.

The 76ers have a top-3 MVP candidate in Joel Embiid and Washington lost their starting center Thomas Bryant to injury earlier in the regular season. Even if they did have the services of Bryant, it makes little difference against a big man of Embiid’s caliber. However, they don’t and the three centers the Wizards do have to throw at Embiid won’t be able to slow him down.

It should be noted that in the three games Embiid did play against the Wizards, he averaged 30.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 blocks, and 1.0 steal, while making 60.4 percent of his field goals and 83.3 percent of his 3-pointers. While it appears that Embiid has the advantage, let’s look at each center Embiid will matchup against in this series to give a better perspective of what to expect.

Embiid will dominate against Wizards in first round series: Alex Len

Let’s start with the Wizards’ starting center Alex Len. As I wrote on my ranking of starting centers, Len was dead last in my standings. He’s been a bust after being selected fifth overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2013 NBA Draft.

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He’s bounced around several teams that include the Suns, Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, and now currently the Wizards. He was waived by the Raptors despite for their need at center earlier this season. However, until Bryant recovers, it appears he has found a home with the Wizards.

In Washington, he’s averaged 15.8 minutes, 7.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.0 block, while making 61.9 percent of his shots. He’s not a threat offensive, and he barely an average defender as a center. Despite being 7-feet tall and a solid 250 lbs, he’s not quick enough to contain Embiid outside the paint and isn’t skilled enough as a defender to defend him in the post.