The Philadelphia 76ers are getting back to work as they take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday in the first of three scrimmage games in Orlando. The Sixers are experimenting with a new starting lineup of having Shake Milton as a starter in place of Al Horford as they move forward as a team.
In their first competitive game since March 11 against the Detroit Pistons, the Sixers plan on making sure everybody gets some time on the hardwood. Coach Brett Brown wants to see how everybody does in this type of environment after such a long layoff while also trying to figure out a rotation. The only exceptions will be Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.
“Even with the 10 minute quarters, I’d be surprised if you don’t see everybody,” said Brown during his pregame availability. “I think that Joel’s minutes will be somewhere around 18 or 20. There is little doubt that something has to give. What I mean is six or seven players, certainly six, we’re trying to figure out what role do they have? I still think that some of it is driven on who you’re playing. Just trying to assess who are the constants as who’s in the rotation and figuring out that next group.”
Starters today are gonna be Shake Milton, Josh Richardson, Tobias Harris, Ben Simmons, and Joel Embiid #Sixers
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) July 24, 2020
These early scrimmage minutes will be for Brown to see who deserves to play and have a regular spot in the rotation. Obviously, not everybody is going to play in the regular season or in the playoffs. The rotation will be shortened.
“I’m not going to play 11 people I don’t think,” Brown continued. “That’s my mindset watching this thing play out. I’m looking for three or four people really put their hands up and claim that constant spot in a nine or 10 man rotation.”
The Sixers will take on the Grizzlies at 3:30 p.m. EST from The Arena in Orlando. [lawrence-related id=35342,35325,35318]