76ers Will Give Regular Season Preview on Friday vs. Wizards

PHILADELPHIA, PA (973espn.com) — The 2019-2020 NBA season is right around the corner. In a matter of less than a week, the Philadelphia 76ers will take the court against the Boston Celtics at the Wells Fargo Center to open up the new year.

But first, the Sixers have to get through their final phase of the offseason as they take on the Washington Wizards on Friday night for Game 5 of the preseason. So far, the Sixers don't have too much to complain about regarding their progress.

Being that Philly is 4-0, even with games missing Joel Embiid, Al Horford, and Ben Simmons, there's a lot to be optimistic about. While Sixers' head coach Brett Brown is happy with where the team is at, he wants to issue one last test on Friday against the Washington Wizards.

In other sports, the final preseason game is typically designed to let the roster longshots play and state their last case as they attempt to make the team. For Brett Brown and the Sixers, though, it will serve as a 'dress-rehearsal,' and barring any setbacks, we will get the most accurate look at what the lineups will be next Wednesday, during Friday night's game.

On Tuesday night, the Sixers were without three players. Two being starters in Al Horford and Ben Simmons. The other being James Ennis, who will likely have a significant role off the bench. Simmons and Ennis were both dealing with injuries this week but were able to practice on Thursday. According to the injury report, Simmons and Ennis are questionable for Friday night's game.

As for Horford, he's alright. When the veteran big man sat out on Tuesday night, the Sixers were just offering him up some rest, allowing others to acquire some minutes before the regular season. Therefore, Horford hs the green light to go on Friday.

And considering that Brett Brown has a "very good" idea about what the rotations will look like during the regular season, there's a good chance we get the most accurate preview against Washington for the fifth game of the preseason.