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The two Eastern Conference powerhouses and favorites to win the title, Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets, take on each other in an exciting clash at the Barclays Center on Thursday, December 16.
The Brooklyn Nets are currently leading the Eastern Conference with a 20-8 record, having won seven of their last 10 games. Kevin Durant has continued to be their star man during the absence of Kyrie Irving, as the forward currently averages over 29 points per game this season.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers have had to make do without their star Ben Simmons. The Joel Embiid-led side currently find themselves seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 15-14 record. The Sixers have lost their last two outings against the Memphis Grizzlies and the Miami Heat respectively.
Philadelphia 76er Injury Report
Furkan Korkmaz has been ruled out of the game against the Nets due to illness, although it isn't COVID-19 related while Georges Niang is also out for this game after entering the health and safety protocols. Sixers guard Grant Riller is also expected to miss the game against Brooklyn due to a shoulder injury. Another player who will not take part in this game is Ben Simmons as he continues to be unavailable for the Philadelphia 76ers due to personal reasons.
Brooklyn Nets Injury Report
The Brooklyn Nets have been the victim of an outbreak of COVID-19 within the team. Plenty of players like James Harden, LaMarcus Aldridge and Paul Millsap have all tested positive and will be unavailable for the game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Bruce Brown, James Johnson, Jevon Carter and DeAndre’ Bembry have also entered health and safety protocols and are not available for Steve Nash tonight.
Kyrie Irving and Joe Harris are the only other absentees as the former continues to be out for personal reasons while the latter is recovering from an ankle injury.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Brooklyn Nets: Predicted Lineups
Philadelphia 76ers
Tyrese Maxey and Seth Curry are all set to man the backcourt with Matisse Thybulle keen to further his status as one of the best defensive player in the league. Former Los Angeles Clippers player, Tobias Harris will also start for the 76ers and the team will be led by their talisman Joel Embiid.
Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets are extremely shorthanded tonight with many of their players in the NBA's health and safety protocols. Patty Mills and Cam Thomas are set to hold down the fort in the backcourt while Kevin Durant and Blake Griffin are set to look after the frontcourt. Nic Claxton in all likelihood will be the big man on the floor.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Brooklyn Nets: Predicted Starting 5s
Philadelphia 76ers
Point Guard - Tyrese Maxey; Shooting Guard - Seth Curry; Small Forward - Matisse Thybulle; Power Forward - Tobias Harris; Center - Joel Embiid.
Brooklyn Nets
Point Guard - Patty Mills; Shooting Guard - Cam Thomas; Small Forward - Kevin Durant; Power Forward - Blake Griffin; Center - Nicolas Claxton.
Also Check Out: Complete NBA TV Schedule for 2021-22 Season
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