The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Most intriguing individual matchups series – Atlantic Division

By Jared Woodcox

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 16: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz at the Wells Fargo Center on November 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 - NOVEMBER 16: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz at the Wells Fargo Center on November 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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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CHARLOTTE, NC – FEBRUARY 15: Ben Simmons #25 of the World Team and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the U.S. Team shake hands before the 2019 Mtn Dew ICE Rising Stars Game on February 15, 2019 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – FEBRUARY 15: Ben Simmons #25 of the World Team and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the U.S. Team shake hands before the 2019 Mtn Dew ICE Rising Stars Game on February 15, 2019 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Philadelphia 76ers: Ben Simmons vs. Donovan Mitchell

Here I go repeating myself once again. But can you really blame me on this one?

Donovan Mitchell and Ben Simmons have been mentioned side-by-side ever since their rookie seasons as the two went head-to-head in a closely contested bout for the Rookie of the Year Award. Of course, Simmons ultimately came out on top, but what was initially thought of as a runaway race ended up being more competitive than formerly presumed when push came to shove.

Therefore, expect these two to often be compared to each other, even though in many ways they are very different players with distinct styles. Unfortunately for Donovan, the Rookie of the Year race isn’t the only area in which Simmons has gotten the best of him. Mitchell also happens to be 0-4 against him and his Sixers squad.

Such has definitely been a source of delighted pleasure for gloating 76ers fan and certainly an irksome detail for Mitchell and Co. Unfortunately, eking out a win against this Philly squad is going to be as tough as ever for the Jazz as the Sixers project to be one of the best in the East.

Not only that, but with both Joel Embiid and Al Horford set to patrol the paint, Rudy Gobert and Co. are going to have their hands full in a big way. While the Mitchell-Simmons debate and matchup will definitely continue to take center stage in this contest, there are really intriguing showdowns to watch up and down each roster.

Simmons has gotten the better of Mitchell time and time again in their individual battles, including from a win-loss standpoint. Will this be the season that Donovan finally turns the tide? Finding out will be one of the highlights of the upcoming year.

Scheduled Contests:

  • 11/6 Philadelphia at Utah
  • 12/2 Utah at Philadelphia
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