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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Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images /

Key Question No. 3: Can 76ers actually flip the switch?

No, these aren’t LeBron James‘ Cleveland Cavaliers from the past few seasons. These are the Philadelphia 76ers, who built their rotation on the fly in-season, yet felt confident enough to lay off the gas pedal down the stretch.

Sure, the elder statesmen like Butler and Redick deserved rest here and there. And to be fair, the Sixers won crucial games down the stretch against various contenders. But their chemistry is unfulfilling at best, and it remains to be seen if they can truly shift the gears in three days.

Maybe an infusion of Zhaire Smith lockdown D will energize them. A few Embiid yams are sure to galvanize even the most apathetic of souls. But it’s completely fair to not believe it until you see it.

Considering how many veterans the Sixers employ, it’s easy to see the switch being flipped. Not to mention, those games against the Celtics, Indiana Pacers, Denver Nuggets, and Milwaukee Bucks down the stretch were indicative of everyone’s ability to turn it on when it matters most.

It might take a game or two for Philly to take these party crashers seriously, but not much more.