Sixers Pregame #29: Nets at Sixers
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62667058/usa_today_11732534.0.jpg "Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports")
Game #29: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Brooklyn Nets
Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia
When: 7:00 PM EST
Watch: NBCSports Philly
Listen: 97.5 The Fanatic
The Sixers are in the middle of a 3 game home stand and play the Brooklyn Nets tonight at 7:00PM. Philly is coming off a win at home against the Pistons on Monday night, the Nets are coming off a loss on the road to the Knicks back on Saturday. Last time these two teams met the Sixers beat the Nets thanks to a Butler 3 pointer with 2.3 seconds left.
Monday night the Sixers got the win without the help of Jimmy Butler who went down with a groin strain. The good news for all Sixers fans is that the MRI showed that Butler has no serious damage and will likely only miss a couple games.
Jimmy Butler's MRI today after leaving last night's game with a groin strain turned up no structural damage, league sources say. He is currently listed as doubtful for the Sixers game tomorrow against Brooklyn.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) December 11, 2018
My not so bold prediction for tonight is Korkmaz squeezing himself into the starting lineup at small forward for Jimmy. Which would make our starting lineup look like Simmons, Redick, Korkmaz, Chandler, and of course Embiid. Korkmaz stepped up Wednesday night with a NBA career high 18 points. He can really prove himself tonight to the Sixers and to other teams if he can step his game up tonight.
Embiid had a rough start Monday night and complained of migraines and other bodily issues to explain is off night. Sixers will need Embiid tonight with Butler out and with a favorable match for him against the Net’s big men. I expect to see Joel establishing himself down low and not out around the three point line as often as he has been lately.
Joel Embiid, who has a migraine and diarrhea: “I have a migraine and diarrhea” https://t.co/TtzcT4T53B pic.twitter.com/ZAxbqoa4A4
— Deadspin (@Deadspin) December 11, 2018
Sixers will need to contain D’Angelo Russell who has averaged close to 30 points in the two games this season against Philly. They will also need to limit turnovers which always haunt the Sixers. Last time these two teams played the Sixers limited themselves to only 9 turnovers. That lead to a 124-122 win. When they played the Nets in the beginning of the season the Sixers turned the ball over a total of 27 times. That lead to an easy win for the Nets 122-97.
My prediction for tonight’s game is a 115-102 win for the Sixers. Make sure you tune in to The Phifth Quarter (@ThePhifthQ) on twitter during the game to get all your updates. Also check back after the game to get my thoughts.
