Joel Embiid vs. Brook Lopez
Even though centers are a dying breed in the NBA, this game will feature two of the best in the NBA. One of the main reasons why the 76ers have been successful early on is because of the play of Joel Embiid. Injuries have derailed Embiid’s career so far, but he has been able to remain healthy this season, and he is having a great start.
Despite being a center, Embiid can pretty much do it all on offense. He has certainly emerged as one of the new-age centers that can do more than just play in the low-post. So far this season Embiid is averaging a double-double with 20.8 points and 10.9 rebounds per game.
On Wednesday, Embiid will certainly be tested by Brook Lopez. As a very good center himself, Lopez, like Embiid can stretch the floor with his ability to make 3-point shots. As a very polished low-post player, Lopez is going to make Embiid work on the defensive end.
Even though Lopez hasn’t played as much as some might have expected this season, it’s hard to imagine the Luke Walton will be able to use his smaller lineup against Embiid and the 76ers. Lopez might be asked to play over 30 minutes in this game, and that should result in a great matchup between him and Embiid.