Nets vs 76ers: Injury Updates, Team News, Match Preview & Predictions

Fixture: Brooklyn Nets vs Philadelphia 76ers

Date & Time: Sunday, December 15, 2019, 6:00 PM ET (11:00 PM GMT)

Venue: Barclays Center, Brooklyn

Preview-

With some good results on their back, Philadelphia 76ers have jumped to second in the Eastern Conference. They have won 13 out of their last 15 games, improving their win-loss record in the season to 20-7. They have drastically improved on their defensive end and managed to win games even in absence of their centre Al Horford. The Phillies are currently on a five game winning streak which includes wins over teams like Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors. The Sixers are among the top 5 in in field goal percentage (47.7), three-point percentage (37), assists (26.7) and steals per game (8.7).

As for the Nets, there isn’t much difference in their lineups despite the star signings in the pre-season. While Kevin Durant was to miss the season, Kyrie Irving‘s presence on the court for the Nets wasn’t to be more than the first few games owing to a shoulder injury. The Nets currently sit seventh in the Eastern Conference with a win-loss record of 13-12. They will be coming into the Sunday’s game after back-to-back losses against Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors.

Injury updates & team news-

Philadelphia 76ers-

Injuries: Al Horford (Knee)- Questionable, Zhaire Smith – Out, Jonah Bolden (Achillies)- Out

Expected starting line up: Mike Scott, Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris, Josh Richardson

Brooklyn Nets-

Injuries: Nicolas Claxton (Hamstring)- Out, Kyrie Irving (Shoulder)- Out, Caris LeVert (Thumb)- Out, Kevin Durant (Achillies)- Out

Expected starting line up: Spencer Dinwiddie, Jarrett Allen, Taurean Prince, Garrett Temple, Joe Harris

Predictions-

In absence of Irving, Spencer Dinwiddie has stepped up for the Nets with a career average of 20.8 points per game in the season so far. However, the Phillies are playing too good to be beaten by the short-handed Nets. Joel Embiid has brought good returns since the game against Toronto Raptors where he finished with zero points. He is well supported by the likes of Ben Simmons and Josh Richardson.