The Sixers are 3-1 and while an import of shooting around the team’s stars is a major contributor to their success, Ben Simmons‘ defense stands out on the other end of the floor.
On a nightly basis, Simmons is destroying opponents’ offensive game. Russell Westbrook was 9-for-22 in the opener, struggling to produce when Simmons was on him. Against the Knicks over the weekend, it was R.J. Barrett’s turn (2-for-15 in the field against the Sixers). On Tuesday night, Simmons made Pascal Siakam look like Charles Barkley on a playground in Space Jam.
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Simmons currently is +1400 to win the Defensive Player of the Year award (PointsBet), behind five other players including Joel Embiid (+800). Anthony Davis is the co-favorite to win the award alongside Rudy Gobert (+225). Giannis Antetokounmpo (+600) and Bam Adebayo (+1200) are also among the top-5 candidates, according to their perceived odds.
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