Section 215
Fansided

Even with Simmons sidelined, 76ers prove to be serious contenders

By Dan Parzych

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Brett Brown of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Golden State Warriors at Wells Fargo Center on November 18, 2017 in Philadelphia,Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Brett Brown of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Golden State Warriors at Wells Fargo Center on November 18, 2017 in Philadelphia,Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Despite Ben Simmons being missing in action due to an elbow injury, the Philadelphia 76ers looked scary good against the Orlando Magic on Saturday.

For a team that has unfortunately dealt with way too many injuries over the years, there were some early concerns over how the Philadelphia 76ers would look Saturday night without their star leader Ben Simmons, who was sidelined due to an elbow injury, although it appears to be only minor. Turns out, the Sixers can be just as dangerous of a squad when Simmons is unable to play when looking at how much trouble they caused for the Orlando Magic.

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Between T.J. McConnell nearly recording a triple-double to J.J. Redick connecting eight times from three-point range against his former team, Philadelphia had little trouble earning their third win in a row after defeating Orlando 130-111. With Simmons being forced to watch this game from the bench, McConnell became the starter to run the show at point guard, and just like he normally does when given the opportunity for additional playing time, the former Arizona star had himself a night with his family in attendance.

Not only did McConnell finish with 15 points on 7 of 12 shooting to go along with 13 assists, but he ended up three rebounds shy of finishing with a triple-double, which is beyond impressive for someone who went undrafted back in 2015 before eventually signing with the Sixers. Unfortunately, it would nearly be impossible to insert McConnell into the starting lineup since Simmons handles the responsibility of running the show when he’s on the court, but also Saturday’s performance shows how reliable the point guard can be when given the playing time, whether it’s as a starter or coming off the bench.

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As for Redick’s night, Philadelphia as an organization continues to look like geniuses for signing the veteran shooting guard in the offseason when looking at how much Orlando struggled to prevent him from connecting downtown. Throughout his career, Redick has always been the type of player that can catch fire on any given night, and seeing the impact he’s making on this young Sixers’ squad is one of many reasons why this team is currently sitting four games above .500 heading into Monday’s showdown against the Cleveland Cavaliers. And if Simmons is healthy enough to return, it’s only going to increase Philadelphia’s chances of proving they belong in the conversation when it comes to being serious contenders in the Eastern Conference.