Philadelphia 76ers: 5 things to watch vs. Brooklyn Nets in first round

The Philadelphia 76ers will face a challenging but beatable Brooklyn Nets team in the first round.

After a slow end to the 2018-19 season, the Philadelphia 76ers will look to pick up steam in the playoffs. The first round will present a difficult challenge in the Brooklyn Nets, who match up well on paper.

The Sixers, barring health issues, are going to be heavy and rightful favorites. Even so, the Nets have given Philadelphia trouble all season. With two dynamic pick-and-roll ball handlers in D’Angelo Russell and Spencer Dinwiddie, Brooklyn can attack the Sixers’ inexperienced perimeter defense.

Both teams split the four-game season series — including one memorable Jimmy Butler game-winner. The Sixers have essentially changed guard three times, introducing two new stars to the rotation and reshaping the second unit before the trade deadline. The starting five has played just 10 games together.

With so much uncertainty and upside surrounding the Sixers, the first round could offer a temperature of sorts. If the Sixers are to seriously contend with (presumably) Toronto in the second round, the Nets shouldn’t pose any significant resistance. It shouldn’t last longer than five (maybe six) games.

The first game will start at 2:30PM E.T., Saturday on ESPN. It will all go down at the Wells Fargo Center.