Inside The Nets

GAME PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: Brooklyn Nets vs. Philadelphia 76ers

The Nets are coming off a disappointing loss in the first leg of the back-to-back.

Peter Sunjic

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Brooklyn is about to play the Philadelphia 76ers on the second night of a back-to-back. The first leg against the Grizzlies was disappointing, but the Nets can redeem themselves with this game against Philly.

This game is another golden opportunity for the Nets, as they won’t have to face a 76ers team with Joel Embiid at the forefront. Of course, Philly should not get overlooked because they still have Tyrese Maxey. However, the Nets should go into this game with a mindset that they will win.

Brooklyn should perform better in this game

After an embarrassing defeat to the Grizzlies, the Nets should come into this game with all guns blazing. They must follow Coach Kevin Ollie’s instructions to play the game with energy and out-hustle this Philly team.

Mikal Bridges needs to bounce back, so the rest of the team must help him get free and take more open shots. His slump has become a big issue for this team because it made a 38-point performance against Atlanta look like a rare event. Bridges should fare better in this game, so he must take better shots and be precise with his free-throw shooting.

The supporting cast should continue to play with energy, as players like Day’Ron Sharpe, Dennis Smith Jr., and Dorian Finney-Smith should keep hustling for the ball. Losing the rebound battle 50-33 to the Grizzlies is inexcusable, so boxing out and battling for 50/50 balls should be high on the Nets’ priority list.

Injury Report

Brooklyn does not have Ben Simmons due to a recurring lower back nerve impingement. It was the injury that took him out for most of the season. He is considered day-to-day, just like Cameron Thomas, who suffered an ankle and leg sprain a week earlier.

Lonnie Walker is okay after taking a spill against the Grizzlies, beating the rumors of him having an ankle sprain. Similarly, Dennis Schroder looks all right after taking a knee to the head in the same game.

The 76ers have a lengthy injury report headlined by Embiid’s knee injury. The good news for them is he’s back to on-court training, which is good for their chances of making it further in the postseason. Aside from Joel, De’Anthony Melton and Robert Covington are both sidelined with respective injuries. Lastly, Cameron Payne is questionable for this game due to an illness. 

Nerve impingement woes reappear for inactive Ben Simmons in Memphis, still out day-to-day

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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