The Sixer Sense
Fansided

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

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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Philadelphia 76ers
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 9: Markelle Fultz #20 and Head Coach Brett Brown of the Philadelphia 76ers talk during a preseason game against the Boston Celtics on October 9, 2017 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

IV. Brown showed his offense, look for defense standouts in game five.

Okay. The Philadelphia 76ers offense appears to be set. After scoring 76 points in one half, and besting the preseason average by midway in the third quarter, the team appears to be set.

Yes, the catalyst appears to be a complex set of player combinations to make it all work: Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons pairing with Dario Saric, J.J. Redick, and the indomitable appearance of T.J. McConnell all seem tied to that offensive onslaught.

Related Story: We’re getting our first taste of Brett Brown’s rotation

But what about the defense?

Well, the team showed signs of stinginess. Embiid, Covington, Reddick and Luwawu-Cabarrot showed great defensive promise. Simmons runs the offense, but does the team slip him into this lineup to try catalyzing the defense?

That’s the next question.  Which combination can hold their own and the opponents offense in check?

The last preseason game is the petri dish to find out. Look for Brown to rotate key defenders into the game through the fourth quarter. He has to determine who can stop the opponent offense. To do so, he will need a solid sample.