Washington Wizards: 3 matchups to watch against the Philadelphia 76ers

2. John Wall vs. Ben Simmons

If Jimmy Butler wasn’t on the team, then this matchup between John Wall and Ben Simmons would take priority. But, still a fantastic duel between the two point-guards nonetheless.

Wall is averaging 8.1 assists per game while Simmons is producing 7.9 assists per game this season. Very similar numbers.

Normally, Wall would match up with a smaller point guard, but since the Sixers have a different starting unit than most, Wall will be opposite Simmons. This should be fine since Wall did a great job at guarding Tobias Harris down the stretch in their game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Watching Simmons try and score isn’t the most pleasing thing to view. If Wall can limit the amount of time that Simmons gets in transition, then Simmons will have a tough night. The keys to success will be to slow him down, make him a shooter, and play in the half-court set with the rest of his team.

Simmons has the size, but will he use it to his advantage? Seems like he’s been taking a back seat since Butler came to town, which is fine, but Simmons still needs to work on his offensive development as well.

Wall can win this matchup if he’s mentally locked in and focused throughout the entire game. Simmons will challenge him with some different looks and be sure to make him move around a lot. It’s not easy guarding a 6’10” point guard that is great in the open court.