After an impressive home debut in the Sixers' win Friday over the Jazz, Jimmy Butler and company are back in action Saturday against Kemba Walker and the Hornets for the third time this season (see essentials).
The Sixers have taken the first two matchups, which have both come down to the final minutes.
Here are three storylines to watch for tonight's game:
Who shines in the fourth?
We've got three of the top fourth-quarter scorers this season all on the floor tonight in Butler (second), Walker (fourth) and Joel Embiid (sixth), and the last time these two teams met, they needed more than 48 minutes (Sixers won, 133-132, in overtime).
It wouldn't surprise me if we get another close game down the stretch, but who will be the one to take over?
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Jimmy Butler vs. Kemba Walker
Last night, when guarded by Butler, Donovan Mitchell was held to just 11 points on 5 for 20 shooting and went 0 for 6 from three-point range. Furthering that point, not one Jazz player scored a three-pointer if Butler was guarding him.
Walker is second only to Stephen Curry in three-pointers made this season. Defending the three is going to be a big key tonight, and it'll be fun to watch Butler defensively on Walker.
Ben Simmons ... where art thou?
At times, Ben Simmons has looked a bit out of sorts, and he admitted after Friday's game that having so many different roles to start this season has been mentally frustrating. Simmons also said that he thinks the Sixers are at a place now with Butler that he knows what the coaching staff needs from him. Brown said what they need from him is to be a point guard and "connect the dots."
Will Simmons connect those dots tonight?
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