Opponent Scouting: Philadelphia 76ers. (6-1)
Tonight at 7:00pm EST the Detroit Pistons will be hosting the 76ers in Detroit at the LCA. Both teams are on one day of rest with the 76ers having beaten the Celtics and the Pistons coming off a loss to the Bucks.
The Them:
No Harden? No problem. The 76ers are off to a killer start, at 6-1 with the only loss being an exceptionally close opening night loss to the Bucks.
The Sixers are, of course, led by reigning MVP Joel Embiid who is picking right up where he left off. Currently averaging 23 points, 6 assists(!!), and 11 boards per game shooting 40% from deep, all the while being one of the most singularly destructive defenders alive makes him a one-man wrecking crew. He can beat you with skill, speed, or power on the offensive end and his size and smarts on the defensive end are largely unmatched in the league. Embiid is the real deal in every sense of the word.
After Embiid, Tyrese Maxey appears to have made the leap that people were hoping for, he’s averaging 25 points per game, lighting it up from deep, dishing 7 assists, and is generally one of the most electric perimeter players in basketball today. He and Embiid form a duo of power and speed that is exceptionally difficult to deal with, and if you’re wondering how you can lose James Harden but and almost look better, its because most of Harden’s possessions have ended up with Maxey and Maxey is playing better than what James Harden typically brings to the table at this point.
BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE.
The Sixers are clearly led by the two heavyweights but they feature plenty of other players. Old friend Tobias Harris is still a knock-down shooter who’s good for nearly 20 efficient points per game, De’Anthony Melton hasn’t been very good so far this year but he’s a very good shooter, Kelly Oubre (picked up off the bargain bin) is shooting over 40% from deep and scoring nearly 18 per game while also being a capable defender when he’s locked in. Robert Covington plays both ways on the wing, Patrick Beverly is still a pest, Nicolas Batum still does all the little stuff while hitting some shots, Paul Reed is a workable big man. This team has elite talent at the top, and solid role players make up the majority of the rotation. We will see if some of the guys continue in their current form but they look highly dangerous.
Matchups to watch:
Duren vs. Embiid: Embiid is the Sixers best player, and Duren will have to be up to the task. The good news is that, theoretically, Duren has the right combination of size and athleticism to at least give it a good go, the downside is that Duren and the Pistons have struggled defensively with any bigs who can pull him away from the hoop which Embiid is very capable of doing. This will be Duren’s biggest test yet. Also, pray he doesn’t get into foul trouble because no one else will stand a chance.
Killian vs. Maxey: My assumption is that Killian Hayes will get the Maxey assignment. On one hand, it’s been some time since I had as much confidence in a Pistons defender as I do in Hayes, on the flip side, Maxey is so fast that it might give Killian some trouble, if Killian can have a decent offensive game to at least make Maxey work on the other end it would help here. Combined with the center matchup, in theory, the Pistons have defenders to slow down the Sixers’ two best players, we will see if they end up being up to it.
Cade vs. Hitting shots: Cade has to hit more shots. His efficiency is in the tank, both as a scorer and passer. Tonight won’t be easy given Embiid in the middle and the Sixers have a guy like Oubre to guard him outside, but he will need to bring his game tonight.
Stew vs. Tobias Harris: Quietly an important matchup. Harris’ speed will challenge Stewart as well as Harris always being quietly stronger down low than he looks, in addition, Harris’ shooting will force Stew to defend the whole floor. On the flip side, despite Harris being stronger than he looks, Stew should be tough for him to handle on the offensive glass.
Marcus Sasser vs. Staying hot: He won’t shoot 50% from deep on a highly difficult diet of shots forever but if he could at least keep it up until some of the other shooters are healthy it would be very helpful.
So in conclusion…
Run for the hills if:
Duren gets into foul trouble.
The Pistons are turning the ball over left and right.
Maxey starts hitting 3s
Wink knowingly at your friends if:
Duren is frustrating Embiid
Killian is enveloping Maxey
Cade is hitting threes again