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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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images /

Predictions

The Nets won’t be an easy out, but talent tends to trump scheme in these scenarios. The Sixers will deploy arguably the best four players in this series, and that will matter a lot more than the Nets’ strength in numbers.

Embiid has experience torching smaller lineups, and the Nets don’t have enough floor-spacing at the 5 to make life hell for Embiid. Should they exhaust Embiid in a win in one game, he’s sure to adjust and make them pay in the next one.

Ben Simmons‘ inability to shoot will be challenged in this series, but not enough to sway the series. He can post up on mismatches, and find the open shooters and slashers to defeat the purpose of sagging off.

Worse comes to worst, the Sixers have two other perimeter scorers and one of the best 3-point shooters ever. It won’t be a sweep, but Philly’s talent will likely prevail convincingly. The Nets had a wonderful season, but they’re not quite ready yet.

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Prediction: 76ers in 5 games