Washington Wizards: 3 matchups to watch against the Philadelphia 76ers
1. Bradley Beal vs. Jimmy Butler
This is the matchup that I’m most looking forward to. I know that everyone is questioning why I don’t have Joel Embiid on here, but the Wizards don’t have anyone that can guard him effectively. Embid is going to torch whatever Wizards big man is opposite him tonight.
Butler is the answer that Philly needed to take them to the next level. The team needed a player that could finish games for them. Simmons is still working on his jump shot, Redick can’t create for himself, and it’s tough to have your center, Embid, take the last shot of the game.
The All-Star small forward doesn’t need to be the player he once was by taking every shot and playing all those minutes. They just need him in the fourth quarter. The Sixers have a great squad that can easily carry the load for the majority of the game.
Beal is in for a rough night. Butler is one of the best defenders in the league and will be sure to give him hell every possession. Beal will have to call for a significant amount of screens tonight to help him create some opportunities to score.
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The mismatch will come in the paint for Butler. He’s got the size and foot work to expose Beal on the block. Beal isn’t great at establishing an interior presence. Look for Washington to try and double down with Otto Porter, or whomever is guarding their weakest man, on Butler if he starts catching fire.
I can see both individuals scoring 20 plus tonight, but I can also see each one having their difficulties. This will most certainly be the best matchup of the night.