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2019 NBA Playoffs: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Brooklyn Nets preview

By Alec Liebsch

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 28: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson #24 of the Brooklyn Nets defends against Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 28, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Nets 123-110. 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 Corey Perrine/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 28: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson #24 of the Brooklyn Nets defends against Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on March 28, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Nets 123-110. 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 Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images
Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images /

The Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets are set to face off in the first round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs. Style will make all the difference, as the contrast in expectations for each team couldn’t be more stark.

While one team is limping to the finish line, the other is sprinting in celebration. Just a season after being the surprise team in the NBA, the Philadelphia 76ers (51-31) treated this regular season like purgatory. Trading for Jimmy Butler, Tobias Harris, and roughly an entire bench still wasn’t enough to push for 60-plus wins.

The Sixers didn’t have much time to come together, and some inconsistencies down the stretch give plenty of cause for concern. But overall, the East’s 3 seed has the best starting five in the East, and their offensive versatility should carry them quite far.

Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets (42-40) needed every win they could get. After an 8-18 start amidst the Caris LeVert injury timeline, Brooklyn took off on the shoulders of D’Angelo Russell. The shrewd draft picks and trades general manager Sean Marks has made over the past three seasons are finally bearing fruit, most clearly evidenced by Russell’s All-Star appearance.

But the team wasn’t solely reliant on D-Lo. One of Brooklyn’s strengths is its depth, which buoyed the team throughout the lowest points of the season. Joe Harris seemingly doesn’t miss 3-balls off the catch, and Spencer Dinwiddie made a legitimate Sixth Man of the Year case when healthy. Head coach Kenny Atkinson likes to have options, and he certainly had that this season with the Nets as they earned the 6-seed.

These two teams have glaring contrasts on every level. In the big picture, everything good that happens for Brooklyn is gravy, while everything bad that happens to Philly is another damning piece of evidence. The Nets are just happy to be here after a painful (yet excellent) rebuild, while the Sixers need to advance in dominating fashion to quell criticism.

Despite such varying expectations, this series could be closer than most think. Here’s a look at the key matchup and three questions that will decide this first round matchup in the 2019 NBA Playoffs, as well as a final prediction for the series.