PHILADELPHIA — As the Philadelphia 76ers continue their title quest, there are some lineups coach Doc Rivers and the coaching staff are trying to implement and develop as they seek the right combinations.
They threw out a three-guard lineup of James Harden, Tyrese Maxey and De’Anthony Melton in Monday’s win over the New Orleans Pelicans that will undoubtedly get more use.
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. 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 came in handy, stepping 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.
“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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