What to watch as 76ers look to take 3-0 lead over Wizards

The Philadelphia 76ers could be a win away from round two of the playoffs by the end of Saturday night. All they need is a win over the Washington Wizards in D.C.

Here’s what to watch:

Curry listed at probable, Westbrook questionable

The 76ers have one player on the 1:30 P.M. E.S.T. injury report, and his name is Seth Curry. Curry is listed as probable with left ankle soreness. Curry hurt his ankle in game two’s win in Philadelphia on Wednesday. He came out of the game in the third quarter and did not return. Curry didn’t practice with the team Friday.

Wizards star Russel Westbrook is listed as questionable with a right ankle sprain. Westbrook left the game Wednesday after suffering an ankle injury in the fourth quarter and was limping into the tunnel.

Beal is unstoppable

Bradley Beal scored 33 points in game one and 33 points in game two. 

Is there anything the Sixers can do differently on the NBA’s second best scorer? 

“Listen, we’re guarding the heck out of him and he’s still scoring. Bradley Beal is tough, bottom line. We would prefer him not scoring and us stopping everyone else. That obviously hasn’t worked out well. Bradley has had two good offensive games. I know we’re making him work. I see it on film. And I know we’re making him take a lot of twos, which has been good, as well. 

“But he’s been making them. It just tells you that you can game plan all you want sometimes against some of those great guys. They still may score. But as long as they’re scoring and it’s hard and you’re defending everyone else, you have a pretty good shot at it. He’s good, man. I tell you, he’s one tough guy to deal with.”

Sixers head coach Doc Rivers said Friday.

Beal was 3-for-13 after halftime in game two. He likely needs to be at or near his best for the Wizards to win Saturday. 

When will the Wizards figure it out?

If the Wizards do not shoot better from three-point range than they did Wednesday night, it would be shocking.

The Wizards was 2-for-22 from long distance, the team’s worst performance for any game in terms of percentage since Feb. 20, 2015. Though the Sixers guarded the three-point line well, the Wizards made only 2-of-10 wide-open long-range attempts.

The Wizards had a 14-for-28 night from three in their last game at Capital One Arena, a play-in tournament blowout win over the Indiana Pacers.

Essentials

When: 7:00 P.M. E.S.T.

Where: Capital One Arena

Broadcast: ESPN, NBC Sports Philadelphia

Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic

Social media coverage: Philly Sports Reports’ Twitter & Instagram.