Sixers want to grow the all-bench lineups, not go away from them
PHILADELPHIA–As the Philadelphia 76ers move forward on their quest to win a title, there are some lineups that coach Doc Rivers and the coaching staff are still trying to implement and grow as they try and find the right combinations.
They recently threw out a 3-guard lineup led by James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, and De’Anthony Melton in Monday’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans that will undoubtedly get more use as they move forward.
However, one lineup that should probably be limited in its use is the all-bench lineup when Rivers wants to get his starters some rest while out on the floor. Per PBP Stats, the Sixers have a net rating of 0.39 when they don’t have one of Harden, Maxey, Tobias Harris, PJ Tucker, and Joel Embiid out on the floor.
“The all-bench lineups were doing well for us for a long stretch, too,” Rivers stated on Monday. “If they do poorly for two games, we don’t overreact to each game, you know what I’m saying? We want to build that lineup if we can.”
Rivers isn’t wrong in his assessment. There were a few times earlier in the season when the all-bench lineup actually did come in handy when the Sixers needed it. They stepped up when the time called for it.
On the flip side, the Sixers should probably have a starter or two out there so they can get some consistent offense out on the floor.
“Obviously, knowing that the deeper we get, then you don’t do it as much, but during the regular season, if you can build that type of lineup and do that, it’s really good for your team in the long run,” Rivers added. “That’s been proven. On the games that we’ve played poorly, we have to look at that and see if we can add a starter in that game, but we like those lineups.”
The all-bench lineups can allow the starters to rest so they’re at their best for the playoffs, but in order to win games and ensure they have a high seed in the postseason, it might be wise to stay away from a completely all-bench unit.
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Joel Embiid, Sixers love 3-guard lineup with James Harden leading
