When: February 6, 2016; 7:30 PM EST
Where: Wells Fargo Center; Philadelphia, PA
TV: YES Network
Radio: WFAN 660 AM
Prior to last night’s 128-119 win over the Sacramento Kings at Barclays Center, the Nets had lost their previous five games and 10 of their last 11. But, thanks to 20+ point performances from Joe Johnson, Brook Lopez and Bojan Bogdanovic (plus double-doubles from Joe, Brook and Thaddeus Young), Brooklyn was able to end its skid and roll past reeling Sacramento while making 18 threes, a season-high.
For once, it was a night that everything seemed to be falling for the Nets, whose three-point struggles this season have played a major role in their extremely disappointing record. Thankfully for them, the Kings are one of the NBA’s worst teams at defending the long ball, so guys like Joe, Bojan and even Donald Sloan could get open looks from beyond the arc, which they mostly made. The Nets went up double digits in the first half, blew that lead and then were able to rebound and go up big in the second half, allowing them to more or less coast down the stretch.
Tonight’s challenge for the Nets, who are entering one of the easier parts of their schedule, is the 7-win Philadelphia 76ers, who lost 106-94 to the Wizards last night and will be without starting point guard Ish Smith (ankle). Although the 76ers, under Brett Brown, have had another miserable campaign, they’re a 1-point favorite over the Nets and have been much more competitive the last few weeks. Still, they’re on a four-game losing streak and, without Smith, lack too many backcourt playmakers.
Probable lineups
BKN- Donald Sloan (PG), Wayne Ellington (SG), Joe Johnson (SF), Thaddeus Young (PF), Brook Lopez (C)
PHI- Isaiah Canaan (PG), Nik Stauskas (SG), Robert Covington (SF), Nerlens Noel (PF), Jahlil Okafor (C)
Final thoughts
The 76ers are a frisky 7-43 team and the Nets haven’t been good on the second end of back-to-backs this season, but this is another winnable game for Brooklyn. Philly, though, has the talented frontcourt duo of Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel who could potentially cause problems for Brook Lopez and Thad Young. But, the biggest matchup issue for the Nets might be at small forward, where the 76ers have Robert Covington who won’t be easy for Joe Johnson to defend.
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