Head coach Nick Nurse said the plan centers on variability: guard Banchero with two to four different players, employ three or four schemes, and keep him off balance by bringing multiple coverages and physicality into the matchup.
The Sixers already have several options to counter Banchero’s length and burst, including Dominick Barlow, Paul George, and potentially Kelly Oubre, giving Nurse flexibility to mix and match assignments as the game unfolds.
With Joel Embiid sidelined, Philadelphia will also contend with Orlando’s size in the paint. Wendell Carter Jr. and Goga Bitadze provide scoring and rebounding threats, so reserve big men Andre Drummond and Adem Bona will be called upon to handle the load down low.
Nurse noted Carter’s versatility as a roller and shooter and Bitadze’s playmaking and shooting from the front court, adding that the Sixers will adapt their matchups as the game progresses to find the right balance.
Historically, Philadelphia and Orlando met three times in the regular season, with the Sixers winning two of those games (both in Orlando) while Orlando dominated in Philadelphia in November. The Sixers will look to replicate success on their home floor in this key Play-In matchup.
