San Antonio Spurs
2017-18 record: 48-34
2017-18 season series: 2-0, Sixers
2018-19 advantage: Sixers
The Spurs made the playoffs last season despite Kawhi Leonard missing all but nine games. Now DeMar DeRozan is on board, giving Gregg Popovich another flawed-but-effective star to work with.
As Pau Gasol continues to age, the Spurs’ depth up front might become an issue. LaMarcus Aldridge was an effective defender last season, but the Spurs lack the versatility of most successful NBA teams.
The same can be said on offense, where spacing will be an issue. Aldridge and DeRozan are mid-range assassins who aren’t fond of the three-point line. Dejounte Murray is in the same boat, doing his damage as a slasher.
Adding Marco Belinelli helps, but the Spurs have clear holes that Popovich’s wizardry must cover. They’ll be effective, potentially vying for a top-five seed. But the Sixers’ pace-and-space approach gives them the advantage.