The 76ers will look to secure their fifth consecutive victory when they host the Washington Wizards tonight at the Wells Fargo Center. At 6-1, the Sixers have the best record in the NBA and will be looking for their 20th straight win at home. The Wizards are looking to stay hot, coming off consecutive wins against the Timberwolves and Nets. It will be the Wizards third of four straight road games. Here’s what to watch tonight.

Team Defense

The Sixers are winning with defense and currently lead the NBA with a 99.4 defensive rating, the lowest by 3.4 points. The Sixers are led by Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris on defense. The trio ranks 1-2-3 on the team in rebounding and all three average at least one block and one steal per game.

Tobias Harris & Joel Embiid Led Offense

Tobias Harris has scored 20 or more points in four consecutive games. Last game against the Hornets, Embiid scored 14 points and pulled in 11 rebounds in limited playing time. Embiid added four assists and continues to look more comfortable passing out of double and triple teams in the paint.

The last time the Wizards and 76ers met on opening night, Embiid dominated. The Process scored 29 points and tallied 14 rebounds in their win. Tobias Harris on the other hand, struggled, scoring only 10 points on 3-13 shooting. I fully expect Tobias Harris to continue his strong play and have a bounce back night against the Wizards.

Containing Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook

After starting the season 0-5, the Wizards have won consecutive games and are looking for their third victory in a row. They are led by Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook. Beal scored 27 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while Westbrook added 24 points and 10 assists in an impressive win against the Brooklyn Nets last Sunday.

The duo played well against the Sixers, with Beal scoring 31 and Westbrook adding a triple double, with 21 points 11 rebounds, and 15 assists. This Wizards team can jump all over opposing defenses with their relentless, aggressive attack from the guard positions. The Sixers fell victim to this game one, but were able to notch a comeback victory by outscoring the Wizards 40-24 in the 4th quarter.

Other additions for the Wizards, Rui Hachimura and Davis Bertans, are expected to play key roles tonight for the Wizards. Hachimura did not play at all in game one and Bertans only played 20 minutes.

Other Notes

Ben Simmons was EVERYWHERE against the Wizards the first time they played each other, scoring 16 points, with 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks. Simmons commands the offense and defense for the Sixers and has been incredible in finding open shots for his teammates.

Prediction

Even with the Wizards finding success as of late, the Sixers are playing tremendous basketball on both ends of the court. Joel Embiid will have another dominant game after a quiet performance against the Hornets and the Sixers will cruise to 7-1 on the season.

Mandatory Credit: USA Today