Preview: Sixers look for 2-0 series lead tonight in South Philly against the Brooklyn Nets
The Philadelphia 76ers will look to keep things rolling tonight in South Philly in Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs against the Brooklyn Nets.
The Sixers jumped out to a 1-0 series lead on Saturday afternoon, destroying the Nets 121-101 in South Philadelphia. They connected on a franchise playoff-record 21 3-pointers in the game (21-43, .488) in the wire-to-wire win.
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Tonight should be interesting. Brooklyn Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn spoke with the media following the game about his defensive strategy against Joel Embiid and the Sixers, stating that their number one goal was to double and at times, triple team Joel Embiid to slow the MVP front runner down.
Embiid, was technically “slowed” by the scheme, only scoring 26 points with five rebounds, three assists, a steal, and two blocks in the blowout win. The issue with Vaughns game plan, was the fact that James Harden, Tobias Harris, and Tyrese Maxey capitalized on wide open shots and floor spacing thanks to Embiid being the primary focus of the Nets’ defense.
Harden scored 23 points while tallying 13 assists in Game 1, connecting on 7-of-13 shots from beyond the arc. Harris scored 21 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the floor, while going a perfect 3-for-3 from three point range.
Nets vs Sixers – Game 1 Highlights
Originally tweeted by Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) on April 16, 2023.
As a team, the Sixers shot over 47% from the floor, nearly 49% from three point range, and a perfect 16-16 from the charity stripe.
I’m no expert, but I would say that Jacque Vaughn’s game plan was complete trash.
Anyways, we’ll see how the Nets approach Game 2 and if they decide to stick to the plan or let Joel Embiid get his while focusing on slowing down the support system around him.
Regardless, I really don’t believe that the Brooklyn Nets have enough to hang with the Sixers in this series. Outside of Mikal Bridges, they just don’t match up well against a deep Sixers team.
Bridges torched the Sixers in the first half but only finished with 30 points in Game 1, shooting 12-of-18 from the floor. Cam Johnson was second in scoring for the Nets with 18 points, connecting on 4-of-6 shots from beyond the arc.
Game 2: Brooklyn Nets at Philadelphia 76ers – 7:10PM – Wells Fargo Center – Philadelphia, PA
| TEAM | SPREAD | MONEY | TOTAL |
| Brooklyn Nets | +10 (-110) | +385 | O 213 (-112) |
| Philadelphia 76ers | -10 (-110) | -500 | U 213 (-108) |
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Prediction
Again, the Nets can’t hang with the Sixers.
Either you focus on Embiid and gamble on Harden, Harris, and Maxey NOT hurting you like you did in Game 1, or you let Embiid get his and risk a 40+ point masterclass that carries the Sixers to a win.
We’ll see what the Nets decide to do but either way, they just don’t have the squad to match what the Sixers can do on the basketball court.
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Sixers Player Props
- Joel Embiid 30+ Points (-190)
- Tyrese Maxey 20+ Points (+105)
- Tobias Harris 15+ Points (+105)
- James Harden 4+ Threes (+185)
- Tyrese Maxey 4+ Assists (+130)
- Joel Embiid First Basket (+270)
Game 3 on Thursday Night in Brooklyn
Will be down at Bankroll Philly with Sean Brace and company doing a live broadcast. Roll through.
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