Once boos aimed at Ben Simmons die down as he takes his place on the sidelines at Wells Fargo Center—as a member of the opposing Brooklyn Nets—a game is going to be played…and Simmons won’t impact what happens between those four lines in the slightest.
However, as Simmons sits, the player he was traded for will look to continue his hot start as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers – this time against the old teammates whose unavailability may have been the driving force of his wanting out.
James Harden and the Sixers appear to be at the fully formed version of themselves entering Thursday night’s game. The Nets have Kevin Durant back, and because it’s a road game, Kyrie Irving will play too. But the full version of them won’t be realized until Simmons takes the floor. That shouldn’t put a damper on what will still be a highly competitive game.
