The Philadelphia 76ers are visiting the Brooklyn Nets tonight at 7:00 pm EST in Barclay’s Center. You can catch the action on NBA TV, NBC Sports Philadelphia, or local station 97.5 “The Fanatic”. Additionally, the 76ers plan to wear their statement jerseys, while Brooklyn will put on their city jerseys. Tonight, these teams are meeting for the second to last time in the regular season. Furthermore, Brooklyn has a 2-0 advantage over Philadelphia in this regular season series. 

Nets Outlook

Most importantly, the Brooklyn Nets lead the Eastern Conference with a 23-9 record. In addition, Brooklyn is on a two-game winning streak and 7-3 in their last 10 games. Statistically, the Nets have the 11th best offensive rating at 110.3, which means they score 110.3 points per 100 possessions. On the other hand, their defensive rating ranks 5th in the league at 106.4. This means Brooklyn allows only 106.4 points per 100 possessions. Moreover, Kevin Durant leads the Nets this season averaging 29.7 points per game (leads NBA), 7.9 rebounds per game, and 5.9 assists per game. Shooting-wise, he has a 56.8 effective field-goal percentage, and a 62.6 true-shooting percentage. 

Recently, the Brooklyn Nets defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 124-108. Further, James Harden had a dominant performance of 39 points, 8 rebounds, 15 assists, and shot 60.0% (15-25) from the field. Evidently, Harden has been looking like his MVP-self in the last two games averaging 37.5 points per game, 9.0 rebounds per game, 12.5 assists per game, and shooting 50.0% from the field. 

Significantly, the Brooklyn Nets are slowly recovering from their brutal COVID-19 outbreak. On Tuesday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that Kevin Durant, LaMarcus Aldridge, and part-time player Kyrie Irving cleared the NBA’s health and safety protocols. Without question, Irving is thrilled to be back on the hardwood: “Incredibly grateful just to be back in the building, welcomed back with open arms by my teammates, the whole organization. Not gonna lie. it’s been relatively tough to watch from the sidelines with everything going on in the world.” (quote via Nets Videos on Twitter). After reconditioning, the star guard can make his NBA return on Brooklyn’s road games. 

5:30 pm EST Injury Report:

  • David Duke Jr. (Out – Health and Safety Protocols)
  • Kessler Edwards (Out – Health and Safety Protocols)
  • Joe Harris (Out – Left Ankle Surgery)
  • Kyrie Irving (Out – Ineligible To Play)
  • Day’Ron Sharpe (Out – Health and Safety Protocols)

76ers Outlook

The Philadelphia 76ers are 18-16 on the year, and possess the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference. Also, the Sixers are an underwhelming 5-5 in their last 10 games, but they’re on a two-game win streak. Statistically, the 76ers are heading into this one with the 13th best offensive rating (109.7), as well as the 19th best defensive rating (109.5). Undeniably, Joel Embiid leads Philly this year averaging 26 points per game, 10.9 rebounds per game, 4.1 assists per game (career-high), and a 59.4 true-shooting percentage. 

On Tuesday, the Philadelphia 76ers escaped the COVID-19 depleted Raptors 114-109. Obviously, Philadelphia has had moderate issues of playing down to competition this season. During head coach Doc Rivers’ post-game availability, he was asked about this issue, which resulted in a mini confrontation between Rivers and a 76ers beat writer. Ultimately, Rivers described it as a “dumba** question”. 

Fortunately, the 76ers are bouncing back from their everlasting COVID-19 issues. Yesterday, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that reserve center Andre Drummond cleared health and safety protocols, and practiced with the team. In addition, Philadelphia hopes to have Shake Milton back (health and safety protocols), as he’s questionable for tonight’s contest. Thankfully, forward Georges Niang cleared protocols last weekend. Also, he poured in 19 points and 5 triples in the win against Toronto. However, wing Danny Green will miss his third consecutive game due to COVID-19.

5:30 pm EST Injury Report:

  • Danny Green (Out – Health and Safety Protocols)
  • Shake Milton (Questionable – Health and Safety Protocols)
  • Ben Simmons (Out – Personal Reasons)

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