Philadelphia 76ers: 5 keys to series vs. Brooklyn Nets

Philadelphia 76ers: 5 keys to series vs. Nets

By Derek Hryn | Apr 13, 2019

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 25: Spencer Dinwiddie #8 of the Brooklyn Nets in action during an NBA basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers on November 25, 2018 at Barclays Center in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Philadelphia won 127-125. 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 License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images) /

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Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images /

1. Joel Embiid

Joel “The Process” Embiid has sure had the Nets’ number this season. And his presence will make all the difference in this series becoming a seesaw.

That the Sixers can cavort through Brooklyn in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 games off Embiid’s effort alone doesn’t sound too far-fetched. He’s averaged 30 points, 14 rebounds and five assists against them this season.

Granted, the Sixers went 2-2 in those meetings, and both wins were punctuated by gargantuan Embiid performances. The losses came before the new year — one of which being a throwaway game just days before the Jimmy Butler trade — and with a completely different roster.

The Nets’ frontcourt — featuring Jarrett Allen and Ed Davis — have been tormented by Embiid each time they’ve squared off. While both are decent bigs, neither have done anything of substance this season that suggests it will change.

This is JoJo’s series. A dream-like matchup. And the sheer reason the 76ers will move on.

Next. NBA Playoffs: Player power rankings. dark

He just needs to play.