A West Coast trip for the Philadelphia 76ers turned sour later in the week with back-to-back losses to Sacramento and Golden State. The losses couldn’t have been more different, with Philadelphia letting what looked like a sure win against the Kings slip away in a disastrous final three minutes, while the Warriors boat raced a tired Sixers bunch with a barrage of three-pointers one night later.
Now, the Sixers are back on the Eastern seaboard, but still on the road, as they take on the Brooklyn Nets. The last time these teams met was in late November, a fun one for Philadelphia with Jared McCain (with all menisci intact) and Tyrese Maxey combining for 56 points, propelling the Sixers to what was then just their third win of the season.
Today, the Nets sit right below the Sixers in the standings at 13-21, and have recently made a couple moves with an eye towards the future, including just trading Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton to the Lakers for D’Angelo Russell and three second-rounds picks. All the tanking isn’t to say Brooklyn can’t play hard on a given night, though, as evidenced by the Nets’ win Thursday in Milwaukee, 113-110.
Russell, a fan favorite in Brooklyn as an All-Star a half decade ago, coming back as salary filler is interesting. He has played two games since his return to the Nets, recording 22 points and eight assists on New Year’s Day in a loss to Toronto, then sliding into the startling lineup against the Bucks and tallying 11 points and 12 assists. Brooklyn has indicated they have no interest in buying out Russell, even though he could have some games where he gets hot and costs them a slot or two in the Tankathon standings. Maybe he’ll shoot them out of other games, and combined with the poor defense, it will all balance out.
Brooklyn has a lengthy injury report for this evening. Bojan Bogdanovic (foot), De’Anthony Melton (torn ACL), Trendon Watford (hamstring), and Maxwell Lewis (fractured tibia) are all out. Cam Johnson is doubtful with a sprained ankle and Noah Clowney (hip) and Cam Thomas (hamstring) are both questionable. We will get the full Ben Simmons experience, as Simmo the Savage is available after sitting out the second leg of Brooklyn’s back-to-back on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Sixers remain without McCain and KJ Martin (foot). Kelly Oubre Jr. is listed as doubtful with his sprained hand and Joel Embiid is questionable with a foot sprain and sinus fracture. Embiid played on Thursday after sitting out the first leg of the back-to-back on Wednesday, so it would be surprising if he missed tonight’s proceedings.
Honestly, Philadelphia shouldn’t have too much trouble tonight. They had been playing good ball up until their last 51 minutes. The Big 3 should be available, along with most of the key rotation pieces, while Brooklyn has already started its roster teardown with an eye towards the draft. Let’s hope the Sixers don’t have a case of jet lag as they take the court back on the East Coast tonight.
Game Details
Who: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Brooklyn Nets
When: 6:00 pm ET
Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers
