Sixers vs. Mavericks: 5 things to watch for in final Orlando scrimmage

4. The Porzingis test

There are few more unique defensive challenges than Kristaps Porzingis, a mobile 7-foot-3 flamethrower who can space the floor, score off the dribble, and run the court like a gazelle. Whether it’s Embiid or Horford starting at center, Porzingis is bound to test Philadelphia’s frontcourt defense.

Porzinigs will draw the Sixers’ main rim protector out of the paint. That alone can pose significant challenges, especially when you consider the deft shooting touch of everyone in the Mavs’ rotation. There’s no one to cheat off of.

Dallas does a brilliant job of spreading out the defense and exploiting holes. Porzingis and Luka Doncic form one of the league’s best pick-and-roll duos, Seth Curry is a dynamic off-ball shooter, and Tim Hardaway Jr. can fill it up too. Even Dorian Finney-Smith can make things happen at the four spot.

The Sixers will need to smother the perimeter without becoming vulnerable inside. This will be an especially important challenge for Horford, who has struggled to defend in space and protect the rim in these scrimmages despite improved agility.

And that leads to…