Section 215
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Philadelphia 76ers: 3 key players to success versus Boston

By Scotty Pierre

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 14: Al Horford #42 and Josh Richardson #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets during the first half of an NBA basketball game at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 14, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 14: Al Horford #42 and Josh Richardson #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets during the first half of an NBA basketball game at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 14, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia 76ers
(Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images) /

Josh Richardson

The Philadelphia 76ers cannot afford any disappearing acts from Josh Richardson in the playoffs this year.

Richardson has shown the caliber of player he can be when he’s on his game. For example, just a few nights ago he dropped 34 points on 65 percent shooting in a 124-121 loss to the Portland Trailblazers. With Simmons sidelined, the 76ers will undoubtedly look to Richardson for those type of nights more often.

In three games against Boston during the regular season, Richardson averaged 20.0 points per game on a 46.2 shooting percentage. He did struggle from beyond the arc however, shooting 25 percent from the 3 point line.

The 76ers will need Richardson to knock down open threes this go around, as the team’s spacing around Embiid and Horford is crucial for a successful series. I expect the Sixers to also use Richardson’s versatility on defense, as he should see some time guarding Walker, Marcus Smart, and even Brown.

On both offense and defense, the Sixers will need “JRich” at his best during the first round.

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If these three players show up to play against Boston, I promise you the Philadelphia 76ers will win this series. I already expect Embiid and Harris to be on their best performances, but they’ll need some help surrounding them. While losing Simmons was undoubtedly a huge loss, if the appropriate guys can just step up and contribute, there’s no reason to throw in the towel just yet.