Predicting the Sixers Playoff Rotation
With the trade deadline officially in the rear view, the 76ers are preparing for one of the most important playoff appearances in recent history as they try to capitalize on Joel Embiid’s MVP level season.
Though the Sixers didn’t make the big name moves at the trade deadline like many expected, Daryl Morey has done a fine job constructing this roster to be ready for the playoffs.
Starters:
G – Ben Simmons / G – Seth Curry / G – Danny Green / F – Tobias Harris / C – Joel Embiid
No surprise here, Doc Rivers will be more than happy to roll through the playoffs with the same starting group that got the Sixers to their first place standing in the East. However, keep an eye out for new addition George Hill to crack the lineup if the veteran gets hot.
Bench Rotation:
G – George Hill / G – Shake Milton / F – Matisse Thybulle / F – Mike Scott / C – Dwight Howard
Hill and Milton figure to add some ball handling as well as perimeter shooting in the playoffs, giving the Sixers some needed bench scoring. Thybulle will likely assume Simmons’ role of guarding the opposing team’s best player on the court, and Dwight Howard has experience and size enough to give Embiid rest without missing too much of a beat.
Of these players, Mike Scott’s spot is the most in jeopardy as he could either be replaced by a buyout candidate possibly added to the team, or he could lose minutes to young players like Maxey and Korkmaz if his size behind Harris isn’t enough to keep him on the floor.
Development Pieces That Won’t See Action:
G – Tyrese Maxey / G – Isaiah Joe / F – Furkan Korkmaz / F – Ignas Brazdeikis / F – Paul Reed
Maxey and Korkmaz could figure to play a role in the playoffs if one of the previously listed players disappoints and Doc Rivers looks for scoring off the bench. Korkmaz is more likely to see the court than Maxey however, as his shooting could become a hot commodity.
Joe and Reed are good developmental pieces but have too little NBA experience to see any action, and new acquisition Brazdeikis might not even last until the playoffs if Morey makes a buyout acquisition.
The actual playoff rotation will rely much heavier on who has the hot hand for the Sixers, especially for the bench rotation. If the Sixers want to take advantage of Joel Embiid’s best season, Doc Rivers will have to accurately manage the rotation against teams like the Nets and Lakers. If the rotation can supply enough shooting surrounding their core players and can play shutdown defense, then the Sixers will have the formula for a championship roster.
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Categorized:Sixers