Philadelphia 76ers: 3 things to watch on opening night

Honorable Mention

Of course, like all NBA teams, the Philadelphia 76ers are looking a little different than they did last year – but not just in their starting five.

Sure, Horford and Richardson are new, but the Sixers also revamped their bench with new players young and old like Raul Neto, Trey Burke, Kyle O’Quinn, and rookie Matisse Thybulle. Although some of these names may be recognizable if not necessarily eye-catching, the unit should be seen as an improvement over last year’s bench that relied heavily on players like Amir Johnson, Jonathon Simmons, and the fan-favorite T.J. McConnell.

To get a better understanding of some of these players, let’s take a look at the stats.

In 37 games last season, Neto averaged 5.3 points, 1.7 total rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting for 46 percent. Trey Burke managed 10.9 points per game, 1.7 total rebounds, 2.7 assists, and a 43.1 shooting percentage in 58 games last year. Of course, they both can’t get the consistent start off the bench, so watch the position battle (in games and in practice) at point guard here.

Meanwhile, Kyle O’Quinn in 45 games averaged 3.5 points, 2.6 total rebounds, 1.2 assists, a 50.7 field goal percentage, and 0.6 blocks. Providing the team with hopes of a reliable center off the bench which they haven’t seemed to have recently.

Then there’s the rookie Thybulle, a four-year starter at Washington wherein the 2018 season he put up 9.1 points per game, 3.1 total rebounds, 2.1 assists, a .415 shooting percentage, accompanied by a .305 three-point percentage, with an average of 3.5 steals a game.

As if an opening night tip-off against the Celtics isn’t enough of a reason for fans to be excited, Ben Simmons’ new and improved jump shot, Al Horford facing off against his former squad,  the continuation of Tobias Harris’ role on the team, and the new-look 76ers bench should get fans eager and ready for 7:30pm.

What’s something you are paying close attention to during tonight’s opener versus the Celtics? Let us know in the comments below!