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Philadelphia 76ers: 3 keys to getting their first road win

By Jerran Anderson

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 27: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers smiles at the end of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at the Wells Fargo Center on October 27, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Hornets 105-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 27: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers smiles at the end of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at the Wells Fargo Center on October 27, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Hornets 105-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images /

3. Make free throws, turn it over less

The most interesting part of the Philadelphia 76ers has been their free throw percentage on the road. They’re shooting just 67.9 percent from the free throw line and their biggest offender is Ben Simmons. Although he’s averaging 8.0 free throw attempts per game, he’s making just 43.8 percent of them.

As their main ball-handler, Simmons likes to drive to the basket. He has to expect to get fouled and go to the line, especially given his athleticism. With that being said, he needs to buckle down on making his free throws. Given the way the league is, teams could begin to focus on fouling him and sending him to the line if strategy allows it.

Then there’s the turnover battle. Four players are averaging over 2.0 turnovers or more on the road for the Sixers. Simmons is averaging 3.0 per game, Joel Embiid is averaging 2.7 per game, Markelle Fultz is at 2.3 per contest while Robert Covington is at 2.0 per contest.

The Raptors are a solid defensive team that will certainly look to exploit these numbers. Philadelphia will need to have a big focus on protecting the ball if it hopes to get a big win on the road. Working smarter and not harder could work in the Sixers’ favor in this case.