Trailing 0-2 to the New York Knicks in their NBA playoff series, the Philadelphia 76ers are facing pressure to make adjustments. Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas has proposed a lineup change that he believes could help the 76ers turn things around.
Arenas suggests moving Tyrese Maxey to point guard, starting Nicolas Batum at small forward, and keeping Kelly Oubre Jr. and Tobias Harris in their current positions. This change would create a bigger lineup that could offensive rebound better.
In Game 1 of the series, the Knicks dominated the boards, outrebounding the 76ers 55-33. The Knicks also had a significant advantage in offensive rebounds, grabbing 23 to the 76ers’ 9.
Arenas believes that by starting Batum, the 76ers would be able to spread the floor better and provide a knockdown three-point shooter in the corner.
It remains to be seen whether the 76ers coaching staff will adopt Arenas’ suggestion. However, if they are looking for ways to improve their rebounding and floor spacing, it is worth considering.
Despite the disappointing loss in Game 2, Joel Embiid remains confident in his team’s ability to turn things around. Embiid believes that the 76ers should be 2-0 in the series and that they will win the series.
The 76ers will host the Knicks in Game 3 on Saturday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT.
