Brooklyn Nets
2017-18 record: 28-54
2017-18 season series: 3-1, Sixers
2018-19 advantage: Sixers
The Nets have put together an intriguing young core despite their lack of high-level draft picks. D’Angelo Russell can still be really good. He’s only 22. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen can all contribute to a competitive roster.
With the changing lottery odds, the Nets might look to compete this season. Jimmy Butler even listed them as a preferred destination, although NYC seems like an unlikely landing spot at this point. There’s enough talent and coaching to win some games in the East.
Their projection still falls in the lottery, though, and that could end up benefitting their rebuild. For the first time in a long time, the Nets own their first-round pick. That would give them to chance to add another high-level talent to the mix.
Playing in the top-heavy Atlantic Division won’t do the Nets any favors. They’ve always competed with better teams, but the Sixers should win the season series handedly. Their frontcourt rotation, while much stronger this season, still isn’t filled with Embiid stoppers.