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

5 of 6

(Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images) /

2. The Nets’ guard duo

The Sixers’ defense lacks continuity, with several new pieces trying to come together after the trade deadline. Losing top defensive mind Billy Lange doesn’t help. The Nets have the tools to exploit such a weakness.

More from Sixers News

Pick-and-roll defense has long been a problematic area for the Sixers, even with multiple high-end defenders in the starting unit. A full-on Ben Simmons and Jimmy Butler can probably contain the likes of D’Angelo Russell and Spencer Dinwiddie, but the Nets will still force dribble penetration and make Joel Embiid (and the backup centers) defend in space.

Brooklyn can tire Embiid, force Bolden into foul trouble, and getting Marjanovic outside his comfort zone. Those are serious concerns that come with Brooklyn’s dynamic one-two punch at point guard, not to mention several quality shooters around them.

In addition to the perimeter, Brooklyn has an excellent pick-and-roll partner in Jarrett Allen, as well as some small-ball bigs. The Sixers have personnel to man-handle those smaller groups, but Brett Brown will need to manage those rotations carefully.

Both Russell and Dinwiddie have 38+ point games against the Sixers this season. It could be more of the same if Philadelphia doesn’t make the proper adjustments.