Philadelphia 76ers roundtable: First round series predictions vs. Brooklyn Nets

Joe DiProsperos

First up for the Sixers as they look to make some serious noise these playoffs: the Brooklyn Nets.

The Nets have been the feel-good story of the NBA this year. They have finally returned to NBA relevance after one god-awful trade executed six years ago single-handedly turned them into the laughing stock of the league.

It’s a team made up of misfits and cast-offs. D’Angelo Russell, whose leadership ability was questioned by Magic Johnson, has transformed into an All-Star and is a strong candidate for Most Improved Player. Caris LeVert was playing at an All-Star level prior to his injury and is still a legit threat. Spencer Dinwiddie has emerged as one of the top back-up point guards in the league. Joe Harris is a legitimate sharpshooter, as evidenced by his winning the three-point contest. Jarrett Allen has proven to be a late-first-round steal. Vets like Jared Dudley, Demarre Carroll, and Ed Davis have also held their own.

They are certainly capable of being a real pain for this Sixers team. The Nets are a heavy pick-and-roll and iso team, both of which the Sixers have had trouble defending all season. Defending guards has also been a little bit of a struggle, and the Nets have two in Russell and Dinwiddie who are capable of scoring in bunches. Dinwiddie, in particular, seemingly turns into the second coming of MJ against the Sixers.

But in the end, the amount of talent on this Sixers team should prove to be overwhelming. Their physicality, in particular, is an area Brooklyn just flat-out can’t match up with. Joel should have an absolute field day down low, and Ben can out-muscle almost anyone the Nets put on him.

The Nets have been a great story and have a bright future ahead of them. But the Sixers are the flat-out better team, and star power almost always wins out in the playoffs.

Prediction: Sixers in 5