BEN Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers can close out their opening round playoff series with a win over Miami in Game 5 as they head into the clash with a 3-1 lead.
Boston and Milwaukee are tied up at 2-2 heading into Game 5 and Aussie stars Matthew Dellavedova and Thon Maker will be hoping to drive the Bucks to victory today.
Last up is the Warriors-Spurs. San Antonio is still playing on emotion after the recent passing of coach Gregg Popovich’s wife and will need something special to get back into the series because they’re facing a 3-1 deficit.
Simmons on a mission Ben Simmons has led Philadelphia all year and today he can continue the 76ers’ charge into the second round of the playoffs. In Game 4 he became the first rookie to post a triple double in the playoffs since Magic Johnson in 1980, and the just the fifth rookie to do so in the league’s history — and he isn’t slowing down. Sixers beat writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer Keith Pompey told SEN radio on Wednesday: “I think Simmons is going to have a hell of a game.” If he does, that will come as a surprise to very few — not least Miami star Dwyane Wade, who saw a changing of the guard coming long before the Heat started their postseason campaign against Philly. “A guy like Ben is someone I’ve seen, I’ve worked out with,” Wade said, per the Sun Sentinel. “He was in high school watching me and LeBron (James) work out in different places and just you could see the way he looked at guys like ourselves and how we worked. “He was taking mental notes, and to see him a few years later and seeing where he is in this game, the effect he has on the state and the city with his ability to play the game of basketball at such a high level, it’s impressive. “From a fan standpoint I’m happy for him and his success. As a competitor, it’s fun for me to be going up against one of the future stars of this league and I’m sure for him to be going up against one of the older guys he watched growing up.” According to ESPN, if Simmons racks up seven rebounds and 11 assists and the Sixers win Game 5, he will join Magic Johnson as the only rookies to average a triple double in a playoff series. If Ben Simmons puts up 7 rebounds and 11 assists and the 76ers win Game 5 tonight, Simmons would join Magic Johnson as the only NBA rookies to average a triple-double in a playoff series. pic.twitter.com/364OY0ymKE — ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 24, 2018 Share