Sixers vs. Wizards: 3 takeaways from third shaky performance in Orlando

3. Brown’s nine-man rotation

Brett Brown caught a lot of flack for his decision to use Raul Neto in the Sixers’ first two bubble games. While most people ignored the context of Neto’s playing time, it was still enough to spark outrage and concern from various corners of Sixers twitter.

In truth, Neto was only playing because of injuries and foul trouble. In the first game, Shake Milton played only 19 minutes and accumulated five fouls to one shot attempt. In the second game, Ben Simmons was in foul trouble. The Sixers’ two most reliable playmakers were out of commission (for brief stretches), so Brown turned to Philadelphia’s only other reliable ball-handler — Neto.

He reverted to a nine-man rotation in the Washington game, reportedly with an eye toward the playoffs. Neto was expectedly withheld from the proceedings, as Al Horford, Furkan Korkmaz, Matisse Thybulle, and Alec Burks made up the entirety of Brown’s second unit.

This may change with Ben Simmons’ knee injury (more on that in a bit), but it’s clear a fully healthy Sixers roster — and one devoid of foul trouble — will not rely on Neto. Burks may need to compete for minutes once upon the eventual return of Glenn Robinson III, but Philadelphia’s rotation is mostly set.

If Simmons misses extended time, expect Horford to rejoin the starting lineup. Either Robinson or Mike Scott will probably earn the ninth spot in his absence. But, again, Neto’s ball-handling could have some appeal in lieu of Philadelphia’s top playmaker.