Ben Simmons provides keys to slowing Sixers stars Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey

The Philadelphia 76ers will host the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night, looking to get back on track amid a rough 2-12 start to the season. The Sixers have struggled to find their footing amid a string of injuries and some drama to contend with.

The Sixers will see a familiar face in Nets guard Ben Simmons, who spent the first four seasons of his playing career in Philadelphia, where he was a three-time All-Star and won the 2018 Rookie of the Year.

As Simmons looks to lead the Nets into Philadelphia, he gave his keys to stopping the Sixers as he kept it simple: “Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.”

It makes sense when you look at Philadelphia’s roster at the moment. This is a talented roster, but the guys who will lead the way are Embiid and Maxey. The Nets will try to slow down those two and pick up a win on the road on Friday.

“Obviously, Joel is, you know, a massive inside presence, so try to slow him down as best we can,” Simmons told reporters. “On top of that, just staying physical, being aggressive, you know, taking full court, just typical things that we do.”

Even with Paul George out for Friday’s contest due to a bruised left knee, the Sixers still have Embiid and Maxey. That’s the big key heading into this matchup for both Brooklyn and Philadelphia.

“I mean, they got two All-Stars, an MVP, like they still got great pieces,” Simmons added. “So you don’t, you don’t want to overlook them. It’s still a dangerous team.”

The Sixers and the Nets tip off at 7:00 PM EST on Friday in the NBA Cup.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Ben Simmons gives keys to slowing Sixers’ Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey