While the Brooklyn Nets have faced their share of adversity throughout 2019-20 — largely due to injuries — the season hasn’t exactly been perfect for their Thursday opponent, the Philadelphia 76ers, either.
Their issues have more to do with chemistry, yet the Sixers could still work their way toward becoming the third seed in the Eastern Conference. Because, even though they’re the fifth seed right now, Philly has a lot of talent on its roster — which is the biggest issue for the Nets going into Thursday’s game.
Joel Embiid isn’t wearing the splint he’d been given as a result of his finger dislocation, per Ky Carlin of USA Today SMG’s Sixers Wire. He will be as challenging as ever for Jarrett Allen and DeAndre Jordan.
Joel Embiid is no longer wearing the splint. He’s rolling with the buddy tape around his fingers. #Sixers
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) February 19, 2020
Al Horford is committed to coming off the bench for Philly. With his ability to stretch the floor, Horford will be a tough matchup for Jordan, as well.
Al Horford says he’s been given the he indication that he’ll continue to come off the bench. He adds that it’s best for the team. #Sixers
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) February 19, 2020
But the Sixers may be without Ben Simmons. He’s questionable due to lower back soreness, per Carlin.
If he is active, Simmons could be a tougher assignment than he was earlier in the season. Not because he taking jump shots — nothing has changed on that front. Simmons now has Glenn Robinson III and Alec Burks as options along the perimeter, which will help open up the lane for Simmons.
And the Nets have to handle the Sixers without Kyrie Irving for the third time this season.
The biggest issue for the Nets coming into the game is Philly’s size advantage. It’ll be tough for Brooklyn to neutralize that on the interior, on the defensive end. An indirect way for the Nets to combat Philly’s size: control the perimeter, on offense and defense. Don’t allow the Sixers to stretch the floor, and Brooklyn also needs Joe Harris and Taurean Prince to be efficient from deep if the Nets have any hope of evening out the season series.
For more coverage of Philadelphia, go to USA Today SMG’s Sixers Wire.
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