Washington Wizards: Bulletin board material for the season opener vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Who Wins and Why?

Ron: Honestly, I think the 76ers take it. Not because they are necessarily better. No.  I think the teams share equally a mix of two stars and decent role players. I think the 76ers take game one because the Washington Wizards lack game reps.  During the preseason,  Westbrook sat in the front row in designer clothes (no fashion week) during two of the three tuneup games.  And we watched as a rusty Beal, working himself back from the shoulder injury that prevented his participation in the Bubble’s seeding games, miss shots that he routinely makes. Plus, the team will be without Rui Hachimura.

I also anticipate there being a lot of mistakes that are customary to the start of the season. Fixable mistakes, sure, but I think turnovers and rust will cost the Wizards game one. But if I’m wrong… I’m talking trash about how a 76ers loss to the Wizards will be an ominous sign of things to come in the City of Brotherly Love.

@DontBeAnUch: Better coached, Better players, Better fans — we are the better team. I do wish fans could be in attendance because our home-court advantage is no joke (29-2 at home pre-bubble). You guys always play us tough, though. And when you add that it is the start of a new season, the teams have fresh players, and the absence of fans is noticeable, I think it’ll make for a competitive first half.  But nobody on the Wizards is stopping the best big in the league. JoJo will make a statement on both ends: blocking Russ and torturing Thomas Bryant on the offensive end. Ben Simmons, who will be in consideration for Defensive Player of the Year, will have Bradley Beal in Pelican Bay. Plus, Shake Milton and the young boul, Maxey will offer plenty of punch as backups. While I am excited to see Deni Avdija’s first game and whether Rui Hachimura will make a leap in year two, there are levels to this—our firepower is different. And so are our expectations. I predict a Sixers win to start the season off right. Play the music!! Clap your hands, everybody, for the Philadelphia 76ers. Stomp your feet, everybody, for Philadelphia. 1,2,3,4,5, SIXERS, 10,9,8,76ers .