Sixers-Hawks key matchups to watch: Ben Simmons vs. Clint Capela
This is a fascinating one. In an ideal world, the Sixers would not have to think twice about Simmons at center, much less him drawing the Clint Capela assignment. If Joel Embiid misses a game or two, however, there’s a good chance we will see Point Center Ben Simmons.
Simmons was successful at the five spot in the Sixers’ Game 5 win over Washington. The Hawks are a different beast, with Capela marking a sizable upgrade in talent over Daniel Gafford. Simmons is a strong 6-foot-10, but Capela is bigger and stronger. It could pose issues for Philadelphia, and vice versa. The Hawks may not like that particular setup either.
On offense, Simmons should have no trouble attacking Capela downhill. The Hawks’ center is a great rim protector, but we have seen a great rim protector attempt to guard Ben Simmons before (hello, Rudy Gobert, on whom Simmons dropped 42 points). Capela would play all the way back, which gives Simmons ample freedom to get downhill and play in space. That’s a good beat for Philadelphia.
The other end, however, is more challenging. The Sixers shouldn’t worry about Clint Capela post-ups (Simmons is 6-foot-10 and can more than hold his own on the block). The problems would come on the offensive glass, where Capela is elite.
If Embiid misses time, the Sixers should stick with the Washington solution and start Thybulle in his place. That puts Thybulle on Young, while Simmons sits in the middle and offers flexibility. You can bring Simmons up on screens, or play him at the top of a 2-3 zone and attempt to choke off Young’s passing lanes. That is all good and well, but on top of the offensive boards, Capela is an elite lob threat. If Simmons presses up on Young, you can expect a healthy amount of high-arching passes inside.
It’s a fascinating predicament and potential matchup — and one the Sixers will need to win if Embiid’s knee proves problematic.