Memphis Grizzlies: 3 Straight Home Games Are Key
By Chris Kern
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers had high expectations coming into the season but have struggled in a lot of ways. They are a perfect 6-0 at home but a winless 0-5 on the road.
This will still be a very tough game to win no matter what their road record is. They have possibly the best young big in the game with Joel Embiid. He has averaged 28.4 points and 12.6 rebounds per game.
As a team though, they haven’t shot the ball very well. They rank 24th in field goal percentage and just 22nd in three-point percentage.
That is something the Grizzlies should be able to use to their advantage. They do still have a couple really good shooters in JJ Reddick and Robert Covington that need to be accounted for.
The 76ers are also 27th in turnovers, averaging 16.5 per game. That is something the Grizzlies have to use to their advantage.
Ben Simmons, despite not having any shooting in his game, is going to be very tough to stop. He’s a walking triple-double and has played well to start the season.
They need to do a good job keeping him out of the lane to make it harder for him to create for his teammates.
Philly is going to try and speed Memphis up. The Grizzlies need to do a good job slowing the game down to try and keep them out of rhythm.
A concerning point is allowing Joel Embiid to get to the free-throw line. He is shooting 9.9 per game and with Jaren Jackson Jr‘s foul troubles that is a bit of a concern.
They have been really bad on the road thus far though losing by double digits four times. If Memphis can make them uncomfortable early, they should be able to come out on top.