USA Today via Reuters
Dec 27, 2020; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) looks to pass during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 27, 2020; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) looks to pass during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Two Eastern Conference juggernauts, the Brooklyn Nets, and the Philadelphia 76ers will face off in the Big Apple on Thursday. The game will take place at 7:30 ET, and the 76ers will try to continue their phenomenal start to the season.
So far the 76ers have been sensational; they hold on the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 7-1 record. On the other hand, the Nets are in the middle of the pack as they have been quite inconsistent over the last few days.
Can the Brooklyn Nets rediscover their groove in their next game? Considering Philly’s current form, it will not be an easy task by any means.
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Brooklyn Nets injury updates and predicted lineup
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 1, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets small forward Kevin Durant (7) drives the ball around Atlanta Hawks point guard Brandon Goodwin (0) during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Nets are currently down terribly due to numerous injuries to their crucial players. Their superstar Kevin Durant has been ruled out for one week due to being exposed to COVID-19. Along with KD, guard Spencer Dinwiddie will be sidelined due to a season-ending ACL injury in his right knee.
Kevin Durant's facing a 7-day quarantine under league protocols because of exposure to a positive COVID-19 case, sources tell ESPN. He had the coronavirus in May, continues to register antibodies and has tested negative in multiple recents tests. He'd miss 4 games in next week. https://t.co/HFHFKHolte
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 4, 2021
Additionally, Reggie Perry and Rodions Kurucs might miss their Thursday night clash as well. The two players are listed as questionable in the Nets’ latest injury report. Keeping these updates in mind, the expected lineup for Brooklyn is Kyrie Irving (G), Caris LeVert (G), Joe Harris (F), Jeff Green (F), and DeAndre Jordan (C).
Philadelphia 76ers injury updates and predicted lineup
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USA Today via Reuters
Dec 26, 2020; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts to scoring a basket in front of New York Knicks guard Alec Burks during the first half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in New York at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
The 76ers could not have asked for a better start to their new campaign. They received a lot of flak from fans following an underwhelming 2020 NBA postseason. But the franchise made some strong moves in the offseason and it’s working in their favor as of now.
For their matchup against Brooklyn, there are no new additions to their injury report. Philly should enter the floor with a lineup of Ben Simmons (G), Seth Curry (G), Danny Green (F), Tobias Harris (F), and Joel Embiid (C).
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Game prediction
Both the Nets and 76ers are eyeing the NBA Championship this year, and they have the talents to achieve that without a doubt. But for their upcoming fixture, the 76ers should be the ones to come out with a victory, as the Nets will miss Kevin Durant’s presence on the court.
