Philadelphia 76ers vs Brooklyn Nets preview and picks

In tonight’s intraconference rematch, the Philadelphia 76ers (15-14) are facing off versus the Brooklyn Nets (20-8) at Barclays Center. Will Kevin Durant and the short-handed Nets extend their winning streak to four games?

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Brooklyn Nets news

Heading into Thursday night’s Eastern Conference clash, the 76ers are 13-16 against the spread in the 2021-22 NBA season, while the Nets are 11-16-1 against the spread. This intriguing matchup will start at 7 p.m. ET via NBA League Pass, NBA TV, NBC Sports Philadelphia and YES Network. According to Land of Basketball’s database, based on 204 head-to-head regular season games played all-time, Philadelphia is 118-86 versus Brooklyn. Plus, in the past three games played between these two contenders, the Sixers are 2-1 against the Nets. Nonetheless, with a final score of 114-109, the Nets defeated them at Wells Fargo Center on Oct. 22, 2021.

Additionally, tonight’s game might not be similar to any other 76ers-Nets contest that fans have watched in their many years of supporting the NBA. Both teams have numerous players listed on their injury reports, and most of the Nets’ players are out due to COVID-19. Brooklyn will be without LaMarcus Aldridge, Paul Millsap, James Harden, James Johnson, Kyrie Irving, Joe Harris, DeAndre’ Bembry, Jevon Carter and Bruce Brown Jr. Some of these players were already on the injury report for the past few weeks, if not months. But, the Nets did go out of their way to sign free agent guard Langston Galloway to a 10-day contract.

OFFICIAL 📝 The Nets have signed free agent guard Langston Galloway to a 10-day contract https://t.co/C4Jd3jWpFg

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) December 16, 2021

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Brooklyn Nets betting lines and odds

Sportsbook: BetUS

Over/Under: 214

Point spread: Nets -1.5 (-110)

Best moneyline: 76ers +150, Nets -170

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Brooklyn Nets injury report

Aldridge, Bembry, Brown, Carter, Harden, Johnson and Millsap (health & safety protocols), Harris (left ankle surgery) and Irving are all out for the #Nets tomorrow vs the #Sixers. #nba #76ers

— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) December 15, 2021

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Brooklyn Nets preview

Furthermore, in the 76ers’ 101-96 home loss versus the Heat, guard Tyrese Maxey led his team in scoring, finishing his night with 27 points in 42 minutes played. Forward Tobias Harris contributed 24 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 37 minutes spent on the court as well. While the 76ers were out-rebounded 44 to 35, they did outscore the Heat 38 to 28 in the paint. Though, they could not overcome their slow start.

Miami held Philadelphia to 18 points in the opening quarter. Despite the 76ers closing out their performance with fewer turnovers, they did not take full advantage of the Heat’s errors in the fourth quarter. The team shot 35-for-79 (44.3%) from the floor and 12-for-37 (32.4%) from three-point range. Including this loss, the Sixers are now 6-7 at home, 9-7 away and 9-7 ATS on the road this season. They rank seventh in the Eastern Conference.

Per ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, the Nets have a 54.2% chance of winning.

As for the Nets, on Wednesday, in their 131-129 overtime home win over the Raptors, forward Kevin Durant added another triple-double to his career total, amassing 34 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists in 48 minutes of action. Guard Patty Mills had 30 points, 4.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in 43 minutes played, too. Notwithstanding the Raptors outscored them 44 to 25 in the third quarter, the Nets scored 66 points in the first half.

These contenders combined for 208 shot attempts. On top of Brooklyn out-rebounding Toronto 60 to 41, the team shot 50-for-103 (48.5%) from the field and 14-for-39 (35.9%) from behind the arc. After earning their ninth home win of the season, the Nets are now 9-5 at home, 11-3 away and 3-10-1 ATS at home. The Nets seems to play down to their competition at Barclays Center. Anyways, Brooklyn also ranks first in the conference. They have a two-game lead over the Bucks.

Projected starting lineup

76ers: PG Tyrese Maxey | SG Seth Curry | SF Matisse Thybulle | PF Tobias Harris | C Joel Embiid

Nets: PG Patty Mills | SG David Duke | SF Blake Griffin | PF Kevin Durant | Nicolas Claxton

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Brooklyn Nets prediction

Moreover, the total for tonight’s Eastern Conference showdown is set at 214. Referencing the spread consensus, 62% of gamblers are wanting the Nets to cover the spread at Barclays Center. Referring to the point total consensus, 71% of bettors are predicting the total will go over 214. Upon further review of the team records, Philadelphia is 9-4 as a favorite, 6-10 as an underdog and 9-7 ATS away, whereas Brooklyn is 18-7 as a favorite, 2-1 as an underdog and 3-10-1 ATS at home.

Remember to skim through the available betting trends. The 76ers are 1-5 ATS in their last six performances this season. The total has gone under in 10 of their past 15 contests. Next, Philadelphia is 8-4 ATS in the team’s previous 12 matches versus Brooklyn. Not to mention, the Sixers are 0-5 straight up in their last five games against Atlantic Division opponents. Lastly, the total has gone under in four of their past six road contests at Barclays Center.

On the flip side, the Nets are 4-8 ATS in their previous 12 performances. Also, the total has gone under in five of the team’s last seven games played. And, Brooklyn is 0-5 ATS in the team’s past five home contests. However, the Nets are 3-7 ATS in their previous 10 games played in December. So, all in all, both contenders are missing a lot of players. It is the better option to stick with the home team to win and cover the spread. If you are new to NBA gambling, read our handicap betting guide.