1. Ben Simmons’ Knee Surgery

Undergoing surgery a few weeks before the NBA playoffs is not an easy obstacle to overcome. For Ben Simmons, he suffered what was described as a subluxation of the left patella–requiring the removal of a loose body in his knee.

Losing Simmons for the near future leaves the 76ers without one of the NBA’s better facilitators and wing defenders. Naturally, they have been forced to try to adjust but there isn’t a real way to replace that type of impact by turning to the bench.

The 76ers have been forced to adjust in Simmons’ absence and have opted to start Al Horford. There is a substantial shift in style for a lineup when going from Joel Embiid as the lone big to adding Horford into the frontcourt.

Against a team like the Celtics, it’s crucial to have a variety of defensive options on the wing. Their proficiency for shot creation and dribble penetration is something that will tough to slow down with a lineup featuring Tobias Harris and Horford.

Without Simmons in the lineup, the 76ers will have to get creative and receive an absolutely dominant series from Embiid. Overall, they will be required to overcome a lot when considering the circumstances.