Game Preview and Injury Report: Brooklyn Nets vs. Philadelphia 76ers
After losing to the Miami Heat on Thursday, the Brooklyn Nets are well rested going into their matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, led by the reigning MVP Joel Embiid and budding superstar Tyrese Maxey.
Brooklyn's defense will have their hands full
Maxey has arguably been the best point guard in the Eastern Conference this season and is the front-runner in the Most Improved Player award.
The 23-year-old has taken his game to another level following the James Harden trade. 12 games into the season, he is averaging 26.9 points per game while shooting 43.3 percent from long range.
Despite Maxey having a stellar year, Embiid is still the biggest threat on Philly's roster. The reigning MVP continues to live up to his reputation, as he is averaging 31.9 points per game while grabbing 11.1 rebounds and dishing out 6.0 assists per game. He is on an MVP trajectory yet again, leading the Sixers to the second-best record in the East.
Mikal Bridges and Nic Claxton will most likely be matched up with Philly's stars, looking to limit their impact on the game. Bridges should also be the team's No.1 guy on offense, but look for another strong Lonnie Walker IV performance off the bench and a bounce-back effort from Spencer Dinwiddie in the starting lineup.
Injury report
The Nets still have two of their starters sidelined. Cameron Thomas is dealing with an ankle injury while Ben Simmons continues to recover from the "nerve impingement" in his back. Dennis Smith Jr. has been listed as questionable ahead of today's game.
For the 76ers, Kelly Oubre Jr. is the only player on the injury list.