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

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) /

2 of 6

Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images /

Key matchup: 76ers defense vs Nets guards

This crucial matchup could define the series. Brooklyn’s armada of ball-handlers is poised to do damage against a middling pick-and-roll defense. Joel Embiid drops back when defending the PNR, which leaves gaping holes in the mid-range.

Philly’s trade-off is that it defends 3-pointers at the third-highest clip in the NBA, meaning those kick-outs may not be a reliable option for Brooklyn’s initiators.

In every other aspect, the Nets love to attack the basket and export for 3s. But if they want to make the Sixers pay, the middies have to go down at an elite clip.

So far, Brooklyn’s lead guards haven’t been bothered. Russell scored 39 when these two teams squared off on Nov. 25, and two of Dinwiddie’s four highest-scoring games on the season (39 and 31 points, respectively) came against Philly.

Naturally, a more intense playoff environment could light a fire under the more experienced team, but their personnel doesn’t exactly give much reason for that to change, which should have the Nets salivating.

J.J. Redick is a glaring hole on defense. His most reliable replacement, James Ennis III, will likely miss the series with a quad injury, per Derek Bodner of The Athletic. If Redick gets roasted on defense, that could mean crucial minutes for rookie Zhaire Smith. Take that for what you will.

The Nets are going to push the envelope of just how much Brett Brown’s defensive philosophy can handle.