T%he Philadelphia 76ers play host to the Brooklyn Nets in an opening round showdown on Saturday afternoon from the Wells Fargo Center. Philadelphia is the three-seed and favored in this series, though the Nets aren't likely to make it easy for them. On the season, the 76ers dominated the series between the two though, and with both teams trending in opposite directions as the season winds to a close, they'll be happy to be at home to start the weekend off with a bang. This is one of the better rivalries in the league and should be exciting with everything on the line over the next week.
Brooklyn started the season slow and while a mid-season rise to the top had them playing well, the trade deadline quickly shifted the course of the season. The Nets have limped down the finish overall, though do have a 6-4 record over their last ten games to try to get back going down the right direction. Their struggles against the 76ers are evident, which could impact their momentum and confidence heading into this one, though they do have a winning record in road games. They have a 22-19 record away from home this season and will look to continue their success and open this series strong. They have quite a bit working against them, namely talent, but if they can start fast on Saturday, that could allow some confidence to quickly grow within this group.
From an injury perspective, the list is lengthy for this group, though the good news is that nearly everyone who has been battling injuries is probable for this one. Royce O'Neal (knee), Cam Johnson (knee), Dorian Finney-Smith (wrist), and Seth Curry (ankle), are the most notable names probable. Ben Simmons (back) will miss the entire series, which will be a crucial absence for this team to try to overcome.
Brooklyn ?? Philly pic.twitter.com/jRjLsuO77J
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) April 14, 2023
The Nets will have their hands full on both ends of the court but will need to lean on the defense to try to lead the way. The lack of offensive options for Brooklyn is evident, especially as they go against one of the league's best defenses. The biggest concern is one the defensive glass and making sure they find a way to keep Philadelphia from generating second-chance points. On the defensive end, they are one of the most efficient groups in the league, though the lack of perimeter defense is concerning. Philadelphia is one of the best three-point shooting teams in the league and unless Brooklyn finds a way to run them off the line consistently, Saturday will prove to be a tough task.