Philadelphia 76ers:
The loss of Ben Simmons is huge for the 76ers. While they still boast a top superstar the defensive prowess of Simmons will be felt. Others are stepping up in his absence such as rookie Matisse Thybulle who’ll land on an All-Defensive team in the coming years.
That the 76ers couldn’t take advantage of the second easiest strength of schedule in the seeding games with a cumulative opponent win total of 261 is why they don’t rank higher.
Much like the Nuggets worked to avoid the Mavericks the 76ers did the same with the Miami Heat, a team they know would be a challenge with Jimmy Butler leading them.
Seeding Game Results:
Pacers 127 – 76ers 121
76ers 132 – Spurs 130
76ers 107 – Wizards 98
76ers 108 – Magic 101
Blazers 124 – 76ers 121
Suns 130 – 76ers 117
Raptors 125 – 76ers 121
76ers 134 – Rockets 96