The suddenly 1-3 Philadelphia 76ers face the Miami Heat to close out preseason. Here are 5 keys to watch fo..."/> The suddenly 1-3 Philadelphia 76ers face the Miami Heat to close out preseason. Here are 5 keys to watch fo..."/> The suddenly 1-3 Philadelphia 76ers face the Miami Heat to close out preseason. Here are 5 keys to watch fo..."/>
The Sixer Sense
Fansided

5 keys to Philadelphia 76ers final PS game versus Miami Heat

By Bret Stuter

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 04: Robert Covington #33, Ben Simmons #25, and Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers play against the Memphis Grizzlies during the preseason game at the Wells Fargo Center on October 4, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 04: Robert Covington #33, Ben Simmons #25, and Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers play against the Memphis Grizzlies during the preseason game at the Wells Fargo Center on October 4, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 9: Dario Saric
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 9: Dario Saric /

II. Look for more Ben Simmons/ Dario Saric pairings.

Some say necessity is the mother of invention. I say it’s just blind luck. But that is a moot point after all, isn’t it? The idea of the preseason is to experiment with the lineups, observe which groups create unexpected synergy, and then plan to tap that synergy in future games.

Such is the case when Dario Saric played center as Ben Simmons ran the offense.  When that happened (and you can place either Jerryd Bayless or T.J. McConnell at the defensive one position), the team congealed into an offensive juggernaut.

Simmons Saric simply super situation

The fact is that Simmons and Saric create a terribly difficult situation to defend to their opponents. Both can distribute the ball beautifully.  So, does the defense collapse on Ben Simmons as he drives to the basket, leaving Saric wide open at the perimeter? Or does the team keep a big on Saric away from the basket, opening the middle to Simmons drives to the basket?

Keep in mind this a a lineup that does not depend upon Joel Embiid to act as a catalyst. As such, it can afford head coach Brett Brown some peace of mind to place this group onto the floor as Embiid rests.

Watch when Brown uses this combo. Early? Late?  Clues if you look for the right things.