Philadelphia 76ers will host Brooklyn Nets in Game 2 of their first playoff series at Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia, in Philadelphia, on Tuesday morning (IST).
The first round matchup in the NBA post-season pits favourites versus the underdogs, and that underdog starts with an away game.
Philadelphia 76ers were the better team before the start of the series, at least on paper, by the virtue of their position on the regulation table. And also for the fact that Brooklyn Nets just about managed to scrape into the playoffs.
But Nets played like a superior team in the first game, like an outfit which wanted the win more even on the away territory. They drew the first blood winning the match 111-102 in Philadelphia.
D’Angelo Russell, who is expected to sign a new max bumper contract with the Nets, led the way for Brooklyn with a team-high 26 points.
Jimmy Butler shone the brightest for the Sixers, dropping a game-high 36 points. While Jimmy Butler scored 22 points and had 15 rebounds as well.
Sixers will have to improve a lot or their promising season could come under serious jeopardy. A lot will also depend on the health of Embiid.
His inclusion for the first game was up in the air due to the knee injury, but he played and looked not at his 100%. The two-time All-Star was overall average, missing eight of his first nine shots in the first half while going 0-of-5 from three-point range.
Butler was a bright spot on a rather dull night for the 76ers but Embiid is crucial for the team. There are not many players who can stop the 7-footer Center when he is fully fit.
Joel Embiid –Easily the best player on Philadelphia 76ers’ roster. But his career has been ravaged by injuries, and it was the case in the first game as well where he struggled to impose himself on the game. The reason being his knee. But no doubt, he is one of the best players in NBA this season, a candidate for the MVP as well. The 25-year-old scored 22 points and had 15 rebounds in the first game.
Jimmy Butler – The Minnesota Timberwolves superstar was at his devastating best in the first game, going off for a team-high 36 points. Only if his teammates had a good game, Sixers may have been the team leading the series. He will be key to 76ers’ chances in this series and beyond.
D’Angelo Russell – Had a pretty solid game last time around. He is a force behind Nets’ rise this season. On current form, he is one of the best players in NBA and certainly a player who can touch every lofty height in this sport. The 23-year-old former Los Angeles Lakers point-guard is averaging 21.1 points per game this season. But the last 10 games are the real indicator of the form he is in of late, scoring at 26.7 per game in that period.
Injured – James Ennis has been ruled out for the hosts. He remains the only injury absentee for the Sixers ahead of this game.
Questionable – Joel Embiid was a doubt before the first game but managed to feature. The case remains the same with him, he is a doubt for this game as well. A late decision will be taken.
Injured – Allen Crabbe will be missing the game with a knee injury.
Questionable – Ed Davis had a very good game in Philadelphia, scoring 12 points along with 16 rebounds. Unfortunately, he suffered a knock in that match and is listed as doubtful for the next game. Meanwhile, Jared Dudley suffered an ankle injury and will be monitored as well.
Sixers are too good a team to suffer two home loss in a matter of days. We back Philadelphia to win this match.