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 seemed like a sure victory slip away against the Kings in a disastrous final three minutes, while the Warriors boated through a tired Sixers group with a three-point barrage one night later. .
Now, the Sixers are back on the East Coast, but still on the road, as they take on the Brooklyn Nets. The last time these teams met was late November, a fun time for Philadelphia with Jared McCain (with all menisci intact) and Tyrese Maxey combining for 56 points, propelling the Sixers to what was then only their third victory of the season.
Today, the Nets sit just below the Sixers in the standings (13-21) and have recently made some forward-looking moves, including trading Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton to the Lakers for D’Angelo Russell and three second-round picks. All this tanking doesn’t mean Brooklyn can’t play hard on any given night, as evidenced by the Nets’ victory Thursday in Milwaukee, 113-110.
Russell, a Brooklyn fan favorite as an All-Star half a decade ago, returning as a salaryman is interesting. He has played in two games since returning to the Nets, recording 22 points and eight assists on New Year’s Day in a loss to Toronto, then slipped into the surprise lineup against the Bucks and totaled 11 points and 12 assists. Brooklyn has indicated that they are not interested in buying out Russell, even though they might have some games where he gets hot and costs them a spot or two on the Tankathon leaderboard. Maybe he’ll knock them out of other games, and combined with mediocre defense, everything will even out.
Brooklyn has a lengthy injury report for tonight. Bojan Bogdanovic (foot), De’Anthony Melton (torn ACL), Trendon Watford (hamstring) and Maxwell Lewis (fractured shin) are all out. Cam Johnson is doubtful with a sprained ankle and Noah Clowney (hip) and Cam Thomas (hamstring) are both questionable. We’ll get the full Ben Simmons experience, as Simmo the Savage is available after missing Brooklyn’s back-to-back rematch on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Sixers remain without McCain and KJ Martin (foot). Kelly Oubre Jr. is listed as questionable with his hand sprain and Joel Embiid is questionable with a foot sprain and sinus fracture. Embiid played Thursday after missing the back-to-back on Wednesday, so it would be surprising if he misses tonight’s proceedings.
Honestly, Philadelphia shouldn’t have too many problems tonight. They played good ball until their last 51 minutes. The Big 3 should be available, along with most of the key rotation pieces, while Brooklyn has already begun dismantling its roster in preparation for the draft. Hopefully the Sixers won’t have any jet lag issues as they take the field again on the East Coast tonight.
Game Details
OMS: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Brooklyn Nets
When: 18:00 HE
Or: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphie
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers
