Let's start this prediction piece off with an early disclaimer—the Sixers won't beat the Brooklyn Nets if Joel Embiid misses more than one game. It's no secret that they are a vastly different team with him on the floor, and he's irreplaceable, especially against a squad that's given the Sixers fits this season.
Now, the rest of this piece is assuming Embiid suits up for Game 1 and every contest there after:
If you think the three-seeded Sixers are going to blowout the six-seeded Nets, who are rather new to the playoffs, you're nuts.
It's not happening.
The two teams split their four regular season meetings, but the first Sixers win was thanks to a Jimmy Butler buzzer beater and the second was on the seventh game of a ridiculous late season road trip for Brooklyn, with the six other games on the west coast.
Simply put, the Nets play well against Brett Brown's squad, thriving on the Sixers inability to effectively cover pick-and-rolls. This was a matchup the Sixers were better off avoiding in the playoffs, yet here they are. At the same time, it's not like the Nets are the Warriors. They're absolutely beatable, and should be beaten based solely on the fact the Sixers are more talented. Essentially, if D'Angelo Russell, Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris LeVert and Joe Harris are kept in check, this should go Philadelphia's way.
It's going to be an exciting, grueling series.
Game 1: Nets Win (BKN 1-0)
Even though a playoff spot, and the three-seed, were clinched with room to spare in the regular season, the Sixers basically limped their way through the first half of April. They lost four of their last six, and six of their last 10 games. On top of that, their starters haven't played together. It's only been 10 games, with one of those coming in the last eight, three in the last 11 and six in the last 24. They will be rusty.
Brooklyn, on the other hand, is on a three-game winning streak, winners of four out of six, six out of 10 and 10 out of 17. They're feeling good about themselves and are super excited they made the playoffs, exceeding a lot of people's expectations. That will ride them to a Game 1 win, possibly by as much as double digits, and thus set panic in Philadelphia.
Game 2: Sixers Win (Series Tied at 1)
With that panic that will run through Philadelphia from Saturday night through Monday night, there will be a sense of urgency formed amongst this Sixers team that realizes expectations are through the roof.
After playing a game together, finally, the starting five will find their groove, Joel Embiid will take over and the Sixers will win Game 2 convincingly, even by as much as 15.
Order will be restored, at least for three days.
Game 3: Nets Win (BKN 2-1)
This is the Nets first playoff appearance in four seasons, and with that comes a sense of energy and excitement, even for a fan base that is astronomically smaller than that of the Knicks in The Big Apple. The Sixers weren't a great road team this year, and the enthusiasm that comes with a first home playoff game, on top of home court advantage after splitting in Philadelphia, will result in a nail biting Nets victory, one that runs between the descriptions of convincing and nail biting. It will be neither of those, but one that will put the thought in the back of people's minds that Brooklyn can actually take this series.
Game 4: Sixers WIN (Series Tied at 2)
Urgency, at this point, will never be higher. The Sixers will be one loss from the brink of elimination, and thus, it'll set home that it's win now, or be in big trouble.
It'll be a nail biter, but the Sixers will squeak out a win on the road and tie the series going back to Philadelphia. The Nets, as a result of their inexperience, will be dejected that they missed an opportunity to take a command ing lead.
Game 5: Sixers Win (PHI 3-2)
Heading back home to a fired up Wells Fargo Center, the Sixers will blow out the Nets, making a statement that Brooklyn doesn't belong in the same conversation as them.
At this point, assuming Embiid plays, it'll be the starters fifth, or so, game together in the postseason. Chemistry will be at its highest.
Game 6: Sixers Win (PHI 4-2)
The Sixers will get a good traveling crowd to Brooklyn and play a very efficient game, taking the series in six.
As mentioned, it won't be easy, especially if Embiid's statuses remain erratic. But, if the big guy plays through a certain level of pain, or if the pain dissipates to the point where it's not bothersome, the Sixers should be advancing to round two for the second year in a row.
