Philadelphia 76ers
Series: Sixers won 3-0
The Sixers played the Hornets twice in three days in Philadelphia early in the season and were dominant, and then the third meeting in Charlotte was more competitive, but Philadelphia found a way to get a good road win. The keys in the three games for the Sixers were the play of Tobias Harris and Joel Embiid. Harris averaged 24.0 points per game and Embiid ended up having 34 points in the last game against Charlotte, showing the Hornets’ glaring need for a big man.
For the Hornets to have any success against Philadelphia, they need to limit the perimeter scoring, have a man or two that can effectively guard Embiid, and make sure rebounds are being crashed and keep Embiid off the block. Two of the three games, the Sixers had over 50% from the field and over 40% from three-point range. Most teams will not lose when they are putting up those numbers, especially in the playoffs.