Simmons, Harris and the 76ers up next for Israeli Deni Avdija and the Wizards

Despite a forgettable performance from rookie Deni Avdija, the Washington Wizards enter Wednesday night’s game in Philadelphia on a two game winning streak following a last minute upset victory in Brooklyn. Avdija did little to impact the eventual Wizards victory Sunday night against the Nets, scoring three points alongside a single rebound and assist in sixteen minutes of play. For the Wizards to continue their momentum against another Eastern Conference contender, the Israeli youngster will need to increase his offensive output to attempt to outweigh the team’s lackluster defense.

Deni Avdija EPA-EFE/Rob Car


In the Sixers, Avdija and Washington face a red hot squad that has already beaten the Wizards to begin this season. Philadelphia has won six of seven to begin the year and appears to have both the talent and depth to seriously compete with anyone in the East. New 76ers Head Coach Doc Rivers has found early success through a multitude of shot creators, currently, five Sixers average at least twelve points per game. With secondary options in Tobias Harris, Seth Curry, and Shake Milton who combined provide an average of 47 points per game to Philadelphia’s offense, Rivers has enough firepower to keep opposing defenses from solely focusing on superstar duo Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.

Ben Simmons EPA-EFE/ERIK S. LESSER


Simmons and Harris are potential matchups for Avdija that could pose trouble for the rookie. Simmons is obviously not the most prolific jump shooter, but his guard-like athleticism and quickness paired with the body of a rim protector make for a defensive nightmare for just about anyone. Harris is not nearly as physically skilled as Simmons, but his offensive repertoire may be slightly more matured. A capable shot creator and shooter from everywhere on the floor, Harris is certainly better suited for an isolation basket within half-court coverage as opposed to Simmons who is made for transition basketball.

Russell Westbrook EPA-EFE/JASON SZENES


Bench players who could potentially be Avdija matchups include sophomore swingman Matisse Thybulle, a promising athlete yet to develop a steady jump shot, as well as offseason trade acquisition Terrance Ferguson, who comes from the Thunder with the reputation as little more than a dunker. The key to a successful night offensively for Avdija will quite honestly depend on his ability to knock down the available jumpers that come his way. It has become clear throughout the Wizards first two wins that the formula for success rests on the offensive dominance of stars Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal, and that as long as role players like Avdija take advantage of their occasional looks at a high enough rate the team will score amongst the league’s elite and reach the postseason despite a poor defense.

Washington Wizards celebrate EPA-EFE/JASON SZENES


The Wizards look to ride their recent momentum into Philadelphia for a 7 p.m tip-off Wednesday night before traveling to Boston on Friday to conclude a four-game road trip.

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1 Comment

  1. Coby Fields

    Deni is not even a starter but he will be one day

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