Denver Nuggets: How they can limit Ben Simmons

The Denver Nuggets are set for a great matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Denver Nuggets will have their franchise cornerstone in Nikola Jokic back for this matchup. Sadly, Joel Embiid will not play as he will be sat for rest in this key game.

Unfortunate considering many fans, myself included, wanted to see a highly touted Jokic vs. Embiid matchup down low. There is always the second game between these two teams for that though.

What this game will do though is test how the Nuggets’ defense defends the other young star of the 76ers. Ben Simmons.

Simmons may not be as electric in year two of his career, but he is still having an All Star caliber season.

He is currently averaging a usage rate of 22.1% and he is once again putting up great passing numbers with 8.3 assists per game. The kid is almost averaging a triple double making him a legitimate threat.

There are a couple ways Denver can go about limiting Simmons’ production. First, they can take away the paint for him considering the one knock on his game is his outside shooting.

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Despite averaging 16.6 points per game this season, Simmons is averaging 32.7% shooting from 3-10 feet away from the basket. He is even worse from 10-16 feet averaging averaging a putrid 7.9% shooting.

For Denver to limit his scoring, they have to force him outside his comfort zone and lock down the paint.

A second way to limit his production is to take away his scoring options on the wing.

One reason Simmons is a great facilitator is because Philadelphia has done a great job surrounding him with legitimate shooters.

Shooters like J.J. Redick who have made a living striking from beyond the three point line shooting a career three point percentage of 42.1%.

Running guys like J.J. Redick, former Denver Nugget Wilson Chandler and T.J. McConnell off the perimeter will be crucial for the Denver defense to disrupt the flow of the Sixers’ offensive rythym. Plus, it will also disturb the impact Ben Simmons will have on the game as well.

If Denver can execute these keys, not only will it slow down the young Ben Simmons, it will also greatly improve Denver’s defense which has taken a bit of a hit in the recent months.