Friday night’s matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets is a high-stakes NBA Cup showdown with plenty of storylines to keep fans glued to their screens. The game tips off at 7:00 PM ET. But the drama will start long before the ball is in play.

And at the center of the buzz?

Ben Simmons, the former Sixer, returning to the ‘City of Brotherly Love’. Although just how much love he will receive; you don’t need us to tell you, right? Love him or hate him, Simmons always brings extra energy when facing his old team. Add to that the battle for positioning in the NBA Cup standings, and we’re looking at a game with playoff intensity! However, injuries on both sides might shuffle the deck.

The Philadelphia 76ers vs. Brooklyn Nets: Injury report

The 76ers are coming off another tough loss to Memphis, despite their ‘Big 3’ on the floor together. But it wasn’t for long as Paul George sustained a hyper-extended left knee bone bruise in the second quarter on a collision with Desmond Bane. Unsurprisingly, he was ruled out for the rest of the game. And he will be on the sidelines for at least the next two games, meaning no PG for Brooklyn or LA matchups.

The only other name on the injury list is Kyle Lowry. The veteran guard, though, was already updated to sit out three games due to a right hip strain. If there are no unexpected setbacks, then we can expect Lowry to return alongside George. As you might have noticed, despite suffering a collision of his own with Jaren Jackson Jr. in the fourth quarter, Joel Embiid is not on the injury report. It’s possible whatever injury he sustained wasn’t serious enough to warrant sidelining ‘The Process’.

The Nets, for their part, are coming off a win against the Hornets in the NBA Cup tournament, certainly faring much better than the Philadelphia 76ers. For starters, Brooklyn ranks 8th in the East with a 6-9 record, as opposed to the Sixers, who are at the bottom at 2-12 and a five-game skid.

However, the former does have a lengthy injury report. So, why don’t we start with the players who might likely suit up? Cam Thomas, after missing the Net’s previous outing with a back injury, is ‘probable’ tonight. If the 23-year-old does suit up, chances of him reclaiming his starting spot from Jalen Wilson is a possibility.

The next on the list is Dorian Finney-Smith. The veteran forward has been dealing with a lingering left ankle sprain. But he’s been listed as ‘questionable’ vs. Philly. Finney-Smith’s ankle injury saw him sidelined for two games early in the season. That said, the 31-year-old did suit up for the team’s last three matchups. Hence, it’s definitely a promising sign. However, if the Nets do hold him out, Noah Clowney and Trendon Watford would probably see time on the floor.

And then there is Nic Claxton. The Nets’ center missed their last three contests with a lower back strain. But he does have a ‘questionable’ tag. There is a slim possibility of the 25-year-old returning. As for the rest of the names:

• Day’Ron Sharpe is out with a hamstring injury. Although there is progress, he’s not ready for game action yet.
• Bojan Bogdanovic remains sidelined as he recovers from left foot surgery. The 35-year-old has yet to make his season debut, and until the team provides a definite return timeline, he can only be considered week to week.

It’s clear that both teams will have to rely on their role players to step in and fill the gaps.

The Sixers’ depth chart for tonight

With key players out, the 76ers’ starting lineup will no doubt feature some adjustments. Tyrese Maxey is expected to play the point guard position, with Jared McCain as his backup. The shooting guard position will likely be filled by McCain, with veteran sharpshooter Eric Gordon providing depth.

At small forward, Kelly Oubre Jr. will step in for the injured George, and Caleb Martin is expected to start at power forward. Lastly, Joel Embiid will anchor the team at center, with Andre Drummond available as a backup. And on that note, why don’t we look at the depth chart of the Philadelphia 76ers?

While injuries may impact the team’s chemistry, this lineup still has the firepower to compete at a high level. With Ben Simmons returning to Philadelphia, expect an electric atmosphere at Wells Fargo Center.

Can the Sixers hold their ground or will the Nets steal the show? Either way, we are in for a thrilling night!