Sixers vs. Hawks: 5 key matchups to watch

Sixers-Hawks key matchups to watch: Matisse Thybulle vs. Trae Young

I would expect Ben Simmons to draw the initial assignment on Trae Young. It may work great, it may not. Either way, the Sixers’ best bet on paper is Matisse Thybulle. He’s better at fighting over screens, and he can recover quicker than anyone in basketball — an especially valuable trait when it comes to Young, who can herk-and-jerk his way to open space with the precision of a practiced neurosurgeon.

Thybulle’s offensive woes are well documented, and it will be interesting to see how long the Sixers can survive compressed spacing in order the reap the benefits of Thybulle’s defense. The second-year wing has shut down elite guard after elite guard this season. He has the wingspan (7-foot), foot speed, and fundamentals to really challenge Young at the point of attack.

If Embiid misses any time, then Thybulle becomes an even bigger factor. He started Game 5 against Washington in Embiid’s place. If the Sixers end up going to a similar configuration against Atlanta, then Thybulle could draw the primary assignment on Young for 25-30 minutes a night, barring foul trouble.

This is a real chance for Thybulle to put his brilliance on display on the biggest stage. He’s an All-Defense caliber wing, and a plainly special talent. If he can disrupt the Trae Young hype train, then consider his reputation cemented.