NBA wrap: 76ers wins third straight; Cavaliers' slump continues

Ben Simmons has completely changed the fabric of the 76ers. After a 119-109 win over the Hawks Wednesday, Philadelphia has now won three in a row and four of its last five. With the 2016 No. 1 overall pick leading the offense, Philly looks like a team to beat in the East.

Simmons had 19 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists in Wednesday's win and the 76ers had six players score in double-digits. The scary thing is the 21-year-old Simmons thinks his team can get even better.

"There's a lot more [potential]. Way more," Simmons told reporters. "I think in a few years, it's going to be fun."

ALSO READ: LeBron happy after Cavs clear-the-air meeting

While Philly looks like a team to beat, the Cavaliers look like a team that is lost. Sure, the Pacers have won three in a row and four of its last five, but LeBron James cannot be happy with the 124-107 home loss to Indiana Wednesday, nor can he be thrilled with the team's current four-game losing streak.

James scored 33 points and added 11 assists and two steals, but when his head coach is talking about his team "getting better" instead of dominating lowly Eastern Conference opponents, that does not bode well for the rest of the season.

The four-time NBA MVP is not pleased with the current state of his basketball team. "A lot of teams are playing well right now," James said. "We're not. That's just a simple fact."

STUDS OF THE NIGHT

Suns guard T.J. Warren scored 40 points on 16-of-22 shooting and added 10 rebounds in the Suns' 122-116 win over the Wizards. Washington guard Bradley Beal matched him point for point with 40 points of his own on 12-of-25 shooting with six rebounds and six 3-pointers made.

Bucks forward Khris Middleton was the beneficiary of Giannis Antetokounmpo foul trouble as he led all scorers with 43 points on 15-of-28 shooting with seven assists and five rebounds. Unfortunately it didn't benefit Milwaukee much as they fell to the Hornets, 126-121.

ALSO READ: Tuesday's NBA round-up: Thunder coasts past Bucks in match-up of MVP favourites

DeMarcus Cousins was dominant again as he scored 35 points while adding nine rebounds, six assists and six steals in a Pelicans' 104-98 loss to the Timberwolves.

DUD OF THE NIGHT

Bulls guard Jrue Holliday scored nine points on 3-of-15 shooting while adding six rebounds and two assists in Chicago's 97-91 loss to the Heat.

HIGHLIGHT

Suns guard Devin Booker went up strong over Wizards center Marcin Gortat for the dunk.

WHAT'S NEXT

Warriors (5-3) at Spurs (4-3) — The Warriors and the Spurs will match up for the first time this season and San Antonio will try to get back to its winning ways early in the season. The Spurs has lost three straight after starting the season 4-0. In the meantime, after starting the year 1-2 Golden State has won four of its last five.