Philadelphia 76ers: Best Sixers lineups in crucial game scenarios

With a very different roster and a new coach, how will the Philadelphia 76ers respond in crucial moments of a game?

In just a few days, the Philadelphia 76ers will embark on another journey to capture an NBA title. An elusive championship banner that Philly fans have imagined hanging from the Wells Fargo Center rafters is long overdue. Does this reconstructed team and new management have what it takes to bring home the Larry O’Brien Trophy in 2021?

As the preseason is already underway, let’s examine the best lineups in various game situations with the current players on the Sixers’ roster.

Scenario 1: Sixers down by six (under two minutes in the game)

Best Sixers lineup: Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Tobias Harris, Matisse Thybulle, Joel Embiid

In this situation, the 76ers need some balance. With multiple possessions left for both opponents, Philadelphia has to have reliable scoring and solid defending. When in a halfcourt set, the Sixers can still use Joel Embiid as a primary option in the post. Drawing double teams could open up the 3-point line, giving Seth Curry, Tobias Harris, and Matisse Thybulle open looks. In addition, Embiid can draw fouls and earn points from the charity stripe. Also in the halfcourt set, pick-and-roll opportunities will be available with a combination of Curry/Embiid or Curry/Harris.

This lineup serves the Sixers well when they need to get back into the game, should they use Tobias Harris in isolation against a smaller or slower opponent. A mismatch and early shot decision by Harris could produce quick points and save precious time.

On defense, with Thybulle on the court next to Simmons, the opportunity for steals, deflections, and blocks could generate fast break points to trim the six-point lead. Remember, both are like leopards on the prowl as they seek to strike even when the opponent feels least vulnerable. If Philadelphia is not in foul trouble, this duo can harass ball-handlers and be a real nuisance as the other team attempts to set up their offense.

With Embiid in the middle, he is a threat to alter shots or dissuade penetrators in crunch time. Harris held his own on defense last year, making key stops in a variety of games, while Curry appears to be the weakest link. The caveat of having Curry in this lineup down six under two minutes is that he could get scorched by a quicker two-guard. Yet, his sharp shooting on the other end could give the Sixers the space and firepower they’d need in this situation.