Sixers' Embiid Compares Trendon Watford to Ben Simmons After Triple-Double

Trendon Watford delivered a surprise triple-double (20 points, 17 rebounds, 10 assists) in the 76ers’ 130-120 win over Toronto, prompting Joel Embiid to say Watford "reminded me of Ben Simmons tonight." That matters because Philadelphia’s title chase depends on Embiid and Paul George staying healthy, and a versatile, do-it-all forward stepping up gives the team needed depth and lineup flexibility. Merlin sees a promising spark, not a clone: Coach Nick Nurse called him a "hooper" and Tyrese Maxey called him "blessed." Embiid and Simmons' chemistry ended poorly, but the point is simple — instincts, playmaking and rebounding from the frontcourt can change matchups and preserve the stars. If Watford is consistent, the 76ers’ margin for error widens.