The Philadelphia 76ers are set to host the Brooklyn Nets in a crucial NBA regular-season encounter on Tuesday night. The game will tip off at 7 p.m. EST on December 23 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, PA. This matchup marks the third meeting between the two Eastern Conference teams this season, with the Sixers currently leading the four-game series 2-0.
Team Form and Recent Performances
The Philadelphia 76ers, holding a solid 16-11 record, are coming into this game with strong momentum. They have won six of their last eight games, showcasing their form with back-to-back victories. On Friday, they secured a 116-107 road win against the New York Knicks, followed by a 121-114 home triumph over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday.
Star guard Tyrese Maxey has been instrumental, leading the charge against the Mavericks with a spectacular 38-point performance. This marked his tenth 30-point game of the season, underlining his status as a premier scorer. The team's overall Against The Spread (ATS) record is an impressive 17-9-1 for the season.
The Brooklyn Nets, with an 8-19 record, have shown signs of improvement recently. They have managed to win five of their last eight games, indicating a potential turnaround. In their most recent outing, they comfortably defeated the Toronto Raptors 96-81 at home on Sunday. Michael Porter Jr. top-scored with 24 points, while rookie Noah Clowney added a valuable 19 points. Their December record stands at a respectable 5-3 straight up.
Expected Lineups and Key Injury Updates
Both teams are dealing with several injury concerns that could impact their rotations. Here are the expected starting lineups and the latest from the injury report.
Philadelphia 76ers Expected Starters:
- PG: Tyrese Maxey
- SG: VJ Edgecombe
- SF: Jabari Walker
- PF: Paul George
- C: Joel Embiid
Brooklyn Nets Expected Starters:
- PG: Egor Demin
- SG: Terance Mann
- SF: Michael Porter Jr.
- PF: Noah Clowney
- C: Nic Claxton
The 76ers' injury report lists MVP candidate Joel Embiid as Probable due to right knee injury management. However, they will likely be without Kelly Oubre Jr. (left knee sprain) and Trendon Watford (left adductor strain), who are listed as Out. Dominick Barlow, Quentin Grimes, and VJ Edgecombe are all Questionable due to illness.
For the Nets, Ben Saraf is Probable with a right ankle sprain. The team will be missing several key players: Haywood Highsmith (right knee surgery recovery), Drake Powell (right ankle sprain), and Cam Thomas (left hamstring strain) are all ruled Out.
Game Prediction and How to Watch
The Nets have been a tough opponent recently, going 6-2 ATS in their last eight games. Their defense was on full display in the low-scoring win against the Raptors. The 76ers, however, have been consistent, covering the spread in six of their last eight outings. Their offensive firepower, led by Maxey and a probable Embiid, will be a significant challenge for Brooklyn's defense.
The game will be telecast locally on NBC Sports Philadelphia. For online viewers, the match will be available for streaming on Fubo, providing full coverage of the action.
This contest pits Philadelphia's high-powered offense against a Brooklyn team finding its defensive identity. While the Nets are improving, the Sixers' form and home-court advantage make them the favourites. The key battle will be in the paint if Embiid plays, and on the perimeter where Maxey will look to dominate. Expect a competitive game where Philadelphia's experience and scoring depth might prove decisive in the final moments.
