Philadelphia 76ers has got the best match on 2022 in NBA Ranked
The Philadelphia 76ers have six games remaining in the 2021-22 regular season after Thursday night’s disheartening defeat to the Detroit Pistons. The Sixers’ record now stands at 46-30, enough for fourth place in the Eastern Conference.
Despite the fact that there are just a few games remaining, the East rankings might yet change drastically. The top (Miami Heat) and fourth (Sixers) seeds are now separated by just 2.5 games. Not only that, but the teams competing for a position in the play-in competition are neck and neck as well.
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Because there is still so much uncertainty, it is unknown who Philly may meet in the first round. The Sixers would face the Chicago Bulls in the playoffs if they started today, a team they crushed throughout the regular season. However, given the nature of the rankings, anything may happen.
Having said that, below is a list of potential playoff opponents for the Philadelphia 76ers.
4) Brooklyn Nets are the 76ers’ fourth-round playoff opponent.
The Brooklyn Nets are a squad that the 76ers and other strong teams in the East should avoid. A first-round matchup against Kevin-Durant and Kyrie-Irving is not ideal for a club wanting to make a run at the NBA Finals. Even more so now that Irving is permitted to play at home.
Everyone recalls how the Sixers and Nets game played out not long ago. On top of that, Durant has dominated them all season. He averaged 30.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game while shooting 52.9 % from the field in four games.
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Brooklyn’s roster is loaded with ball handlers and shooters, which presents the Sixers with some difficult defensive matchups. While Joel Embiid would dominate Brooklyn owing to their lack of size, they would do much better against a number of other teams.
3) Raptors of Toronto
The Toronto Raptors are one of the East’s greatest dark horses heading into the playoffs. They are unlikely to be a true championship contender, but they will be a difficult out for anybody they face.
With their wealth of size and length, as well as championship history, the Raptors know what it takes to prevail in the playoffs. When it comes to the chess match of playoff basketball, head coach Nick Nurse is one of the greatest in the industry. When the actual action begins, he’ll undoubtedly have a few tricks up his sleeve.
There’s no disputing that this will be a difficult series, but the 76ers should come out on top. They also lack an answer for Embiid, which might be the determining factor. Toronto provides certain concerns, but not so many that the Sixers should avoid them at all costs.
2) Bulls of Chicago
The Chicago Bulls, who were one of the hottest teams in the first few months of the season, have just flamed out. Injuries have taken a significant toll on their team, and Lonzo Ball is still out, giving the Bulls an ideal first-round opponent.
In addition to the injury problem, the 76ers had a lot of success versus the Bulls this season. They won all four games they played, posting a perfect 4-0 record. In addition, Embiid had some of his greatest scoring totals versus Chicago. He averaged 32.8 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in the four games.
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While the Bulls remain a danger, their lack of postseason experience is a major weakness. Aside from DeMar DeRozan, few players on the roster have played in the playoffs. Containing DeRozan and Zach LaVine would be difficult, but this is a series that the Sixers might easily win.
1) Cavaliers of Cleveland
The 76ers’ best-case scenario in the first round would be a matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers. They, too, lack postseason experience and continue to lose key players to injury as the season progresses. First, All-Star center Jarret Allen was out, and then freshman phenom Evan Mobley.
The Cavs, like the Bulls, were an opponent the Sixers dominated throughout the regular season. They defeated Cleveland in all three meetings, with Embiid averaging 32.3 points on 56.4 percent shooting from the field. They have little to no response for the MVP leader given that they are without their two greatest frontcourt players. Even if those men return, they are unlikely to be at full strength.
Based on their recent performance, the Cavaliers may not even be able to face the Sixers in Round 1. However, if they can hold on for these last games, Cleveland will be by far the best opponent in the playoffs.
