The Sixers will look to get another winning streak rolling following Friday’s win against the Atlanta Hawks, with a Sunday afternoon game against division rival Brooklyn Nets. The matchup will be the first of the season between the two teams, who last met in the first round of the 2022-23 NBA playoffs when the Sixers defeated the Nets in a 4-game series.
How to Watch:
Date and Time: Sunday, November 19, 2023, 3:00 PM EST
Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn NY
Channel: NBC Sports Philadelphia, Fubo TV
Sixers vs Nets betting info
Spread: Sixers -3.5 | Nets +3.5
Moneyline: Sixers -166 | Nets +140
Total: O/U 225
Injury Report:
Sixers: OUT: Kelly Oubre (fractured rib)
Nets: OUT: Ben Simmons (lower back), Cam Thomas (L. ankle) QUESTIONABLE: Dennis Smith Jr. (L. back)
Probable Starting Lineups:
Sixers. Tyrese Maxey, De’Anthony Melton, Nic Batum, Tobias Harris, Joel Embiid
Nets: Spencer Dinwiddie, Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith, Nic Claxton
Game Preview:
Joel Embiid and Nic Claxton became rivals last season, when some heated exchanges during the regular season escalated into a bit of a dust-up during Game 3 of the playoffs. The two haven’t played each other since, as Embiid was out for Game 4 as the Sixers swept the nets. Of course, as the primary center for their respective teams, the two will spend a good portion of the game guarding each other. Whether the rivalry will continue or fizzle out will surely be an interesting storyline regardless of the final score.
The Sixers are favored to win this game, with FanDuel’s odds sitting at -166. The team currently sits at 8-3, compared to the Nets’ 6-6 after a Jimmy Butler masterclass allowed the Heat to take down the Nets on Thursday night. Joel Embiid has been steadily building on his MVP season, while also putting up a career-best 6 assists a night. Part of Embiid’s passing improvements are due to Tyrese Maxey’s consistent ability to find an open lane, outrun a defender to catch the ball, and get to the rim.
The team also benefits from Tobias Harris’ functioning as a dual slasher and shooter, allowing him to put up double-digit points in every game thus far. And despite a few recent struggles getting back in transition, the team has largely looked much more successful defensively than they have in years. With the return of Nic Batum to the lineup today, the team will look to capitalize on their new-and-improved defensive strategy.
Still, the Nets have some solid weapons. Mikal Bridges remains a centerpiece of the team, putting up 23 points, seven assists, and five rebounds on Thursday’s narrow loss to Miami and averaging 20.7 points per game on the season. And even with standout guard Cam Thomas ruled out, the Sixers have struggled in the past to keep up with the three-point shooting of Cam Johnson. This Nets team boasts an athletic lineup who can draw defenders into the paint before kicking the ball back out and taking quick shots. Maintaining good floor spacing, not getting caught under the rim, and getting back in transition quickly will be essential to shutting down the Nets’ offense early on.
AP Photo/Matt Slocum
