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) /

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Key Question No. 2: Can Nets depth carry them?

Among many stylistic differences between these teams are their roster constructs. Brooklyn built itself on depth and egalitarianism, while Philly consolidated depth in favor of top-tier talent.

The latter seems to play better in a postseason setting, but the Sixers are taking it to an extreme. The Nets, meanwhile, have emphasized the other end of the spectrum, sometimes running a rotation as deep as 12 players.

Of course, this could merely be a developmental strategy for Nets coach Kenny Atkinson. After all, a 42-win season is mostly gravy for this bunch, as they are still grooming many youngsters. But in several close games this season, Atkinson opted for different lineup combinations.

Some nights, D-Lo would sit out the last few minutes of a tight game in favor of Dinwiddie. Other nights, the two would share touches at the expense of LeVert. The flexible roster that Sean Marks has built gives Atkinson a bevy of options to attack the Sixers.

But will it actually matter? The Sixers’ best five can attack virtually any mismatch; the Nets’ system is reliant on a few ball-handlers. An exhausted Embiid can still block a Jarrett Allen pick-and-roll back to North Jersey.

It will be fun to see how creative Atkinson can get when attacking this Monstars-esque lineup, but it’s difficult to envision it mattering too much.