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.
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.
Embiid will dominate against Wizards in first round series: Robin Lopez
After Len, the Wizards probably have their best overall center coming off the bench in Robin Lopez. Twin brother the Milwaukee Bucks’ Brook Lopez, Robin Lopez is known as the better defender of the two centers.
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Robin Lopez is a savvy veteran whose biggest strength his interior defense and rebounding. In his prime, he was a starter for several good teams, but now he’s a quality backup big man that most contenders would want on their bench. This season, he’s averaged 9.0 points and 3.6 rebounds in just 19.1 minutes per game. He’s also shooting 63.3 percent from the floor.
It’s not impossible that Lopez could give Embiid some problems in the paint with his big frame and fundamentally sound defense. Lopez measures in at 7-foot and 281 lbs, so his height, weight and defensive skills could in theory give Embiid problems.
However, where Embiid has the advantage is outside of the paint. Embiid’s a three-level scorer and can take Lopez outside of the paint where Lopez isn’t great at defending in space. That being written, Lopez would be the hardest matchup for Embiid in this series.
Embiid will dominate against Wizards in first round series: Daniel Gafford
It’s important not to forget to include Daniel Gafford in this trio of centers. Gafford is the youngest of the three big on in Washington’s rotation as he’s only in his second season at 22 years old. He’s a solid 6-foot-10 and 234 lbs, while also having a little bit of athleticism.
Prior to being acquired by the Wizards mid-season, Gafford started his career with the Chicago Bulls but didn’t get much playing time until he came to Washington. Since his arrival, he’s been a bright spot for the Wizards’ bench. In just 17.7 minutes per game with Washington, he’s averaged 10.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks,
He certainly has the brightest future of the centers active on this roster and one day he may give Embiid some problems, but can he hold up against the Sixers’ MVP candidate in this series? The answer is no, he’s never played in the playoffs, and Embiid just too skilled offensively for such a young big man to contain in a regular game, let alone a postseason setting.
While the Wizards have some interesting depth at the center position, it won’t be enough to slow down Embiid and the Sixers in this postseason matchup.