While the one seed would obviously be best, one potential benefit of the 2 seed is a better overall matchup in the second round. To me, I think a strong argument can be made that we should (slightly) rather play the Sixers in round two than the Cavs.

Hear me out before bringing the pitchforks.

While Embiid is clearly the best player on the two teams, we seem to matchup much better against Philly than Cleveland, which is supported by our current records against each team this year: Philly (3-0) and Cleveland (1-3, all OT losses).

While Embiid can always get his, we’ve generally executed a great gameplan and have the personnel to shut down the rest of their team, while also providing reasonable single coverage against Embiid with Big Al. Also, our big guards (particularly Smart) have always been a problem for Harden. Lastly, both Embiid and Harden (and Philly as a whole) have a reputation of folding in the playoffs and their games not translating as well.

When you look at Cleveland, our matchup is not as good. We’ve struggled with two types of teams this year. The first is the team with quick, speedy guards, and Cleveland had two in Mitchell and Garland that have just obliterated us this year. Second, we struggle with big frontcourts that can outrebound us and clog up the lane, and both Allen and Mobley fit that bill. And while Embiid is also big, he’s not as mobile as the Cleveland bigs and can more easily be taken advantage of defensively.

So while I think we’d take both series, I think a good argument can be made that due to matchups we’re better off facing Philly than Cleveland (or at least equally good facing either team), even if Philly is objectively a better team and has the best overall player.

So what are your thoughts? Who would you rather face in the second round?