GOTTA RUN!

Nets goin’ full speed, no matter where they play

The Nets are headed to the playoffs, but their seeding – and opponent – can’t be locked in until after the regular season ends today. Here’s what’s at stake: If the Nets beat the Heat OR the Magic loses to the Hornets, the Nets are the sixth seed and will face No. 3 Philly in the first round.

If the Nets lose to Miami AND the Magic beats the Hornets, the Nets are the seventh seed and face No. 2 Toronto in the first round.

Either way, the Nets will be the inexperienced underdog. It’s a familiar role.

“We’re not done yet. Obviously, we’re excited to be in the playoffs but by no means are we satisfied with just making it into the playoffs,” guard Joe Harris said. “Regardless of whether we play against Toronto or Philadelphia, we’ve had competitive battles with them, each team, this entire season. And yeah, we know the playoffs are going to be a little bit different, but we’re excited about the challenge and the opportunity.”

The Nets (41-40) were 2-2 against the Sixers this season but were blown out in their final game in March – which represented the first matchup since

Philly acquired Tobias Harris. They lost three of four against Toronto this season, and two of the defeats weren’t particularly close.

Of the two possible opponents, the Sixers are probably the better matchup because of their weak bench. It’s why playing at full strength tonight against the Heat is in the Nets’ best interest, even though coach Kenny Atkinson said there’s a discussion underfoot about sitting veterans. Later, the Nets announced DeMarre Carroll won’t play because of a rib injury and Harris is questionable with foot soreness. But D’Angelo Russell will play.

“S—t we’re trying to win,” Russell said. “It makes sense if guys are banged up to rest. But I’m playing.”

Against either Toronto or Philly, the Nets will be outmatched in size, strength and talent. How will they combat their disadvantage?

“Do the opposite. Use our speed, spread the court, shoot threes,” Atkinson said. “Somehow try to limit the post game and do a better job rebounding. Hopefully, now it’s the playoffs, that kind of physicality we’ve been talking about all year, I think we’ll have to take that up two levels to be able to compete with physical teams like Toronto and Philly.”

Not too long ago, the playing style of pace and 3-pointers – certainly adopted by the Nets – was considered poison in the playoffs. As the logic went, the game slowed to a physical half-court battle in the postseason, and teams like Mike D’Antoni’s Phoenix Suns couldn’t get over the hump because they were illequipped. Then the Warriors shattered all conventions with their running and gunning, and Atkinson’s preferred form of play was validated.

This season, the Nets were in the top-10 in pace. Atkinson says that’s not going to change for the playoffs.

“I think the Warriors proved you can win that way in the playoffs. I think Mike’s team in Houston, they were pretty darn close, too,” Atkinson said. “Lot of imitation of those guys. Obviously, they’ve got incredible rosters. But I think speed kills. Speed and skill. If you have a competitive group, you can win that way.”