Sixers: 5 lessons from 2-0 start vs. Wizards

Sixers lessons learned: The rotations haven’t really changed

Doc Rivers has stuck to his guns in the first round, comfortably digging 10 (or, technically, 11) deep into his rotation. While this is not unexpected, it is somewhat surprising that Rivers’ rotations remain virtually unchanged from the regular season.

As expected, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons are stuck at the hip in most lineup combinations, while Tobias Harris has been tabbed to lead bench units. Slightly less expected, but again not surprising, has been the all-bench lineups, which continue to play a significant role in Rivers’ gameplan.

The results thus far in the Wizards series have been mixed, leaning towards negative. The all-bench group was a rallying force for Washington in Game 2, but it also buried them late (more on that in a second). The Sixers can get away with half-measures in the first round. The Wizards are not a very good team. When the competition stiffens in the future, however, Rivers will need to look long and hard in the mirror.

Fewer all-bench lineups will be a benefit once the stakes are higher. Rarely do the Sixers win all-bench minutes. Keep at least one of Embiid, Simmons, or Harris on the floor at all times — it is not difficult, and represents standard operating procedure for most teams with multiple All-Stars.

Also, Matisse Thybulle has not eclipsed the 20-minute mark yet this series. While Game 2 went to garbage time as soon as the fourth quarter struck, it is still notable that Philadelphia’s most disruptive defender — five blocks, four steals in 19:55 on Wednesday — still inhabits such a limited role.

As for Tyrese Maxey…