Four things to watch in Sixers-Nets Game 1 | Film breakdown

The 76ers‘ most recent matchup with the Brooklyn Nets, on March 28, was not only their largest victory over the Nets — a 123-110 win — but the one that provides the best roadmap leading into the playoffs.

The Sixers had all of their starters in the game and were without James Ennis. Without knowing whether or not Joel Embiid will be available to play on Saturday, let’s look at some things the Sixers can do to be successful outside of Embiid.

In their last meeting Jimmy Butler got out to a quick start. He scored right out of the gate and got multiple looks in the first few minutes of the game.

It was not his most efficient night, shooting just 3-of-10 from the field, but his early shot opportunities seemed to fuel him on the other side of the ball. He finished the night with three steals, a block, and seven rebounds.

Getting Butler looks in the opening minutes of the game will especially important if the Sixers are down another man, and Butler’s defense will be just as important against the Nets and any other series down the road.

Simmons needs to take advantage of the fact that the Nets don’t have anyone who matches up well against him. The Nets have — and will again — throw a slew of defenders at him, including DeMarre Carroll, Rodions Kurucs, Joe Harris. and Jared Dudley. None of them can match Simmons’ size, strength and speed. Watch here as Simmons scores in transition and Harris offers nothing in the way of slowing him down.

Brett Brown went with Boban Marjanovic in a reserve role against the Nets on March 28 and it worked out, so it’s likely Brown will lean that way in Game 1. Much like Simmons, when Markanovic is on the floor he absolutely needs to take advantage his size — something the Nets don’t have an answer for on either side of the ball.

Whether it’s forcing players to shoot over him or shooting over the defense, Marjanovic need to play to his strengths. When the Nets give him room to take a couple dribbles in, or give him the opportunity to post up early, he needs to take it. That short floater is far more effective coming from a 7-foot-4 frame.

Speaking of Marjanovic: The Nets are one of the best teams in the league at getting to the free throw line. This is not something that can be overlooked or downplayed.

The Sixers are already short on depth and if Embiid doesn’t play, they will be even more so. That means Marjanovic needs to be careful leaning in or bringing his arms down on defense. The Sixers can’t afford early foul trouble.