The Brooklyn Nets (8-19) head to Philadelphia to face the 76ers (16-11) in an Atlantic Division matchup that’s shaping up as a potential blowout given the teams’ contrasting fortunes this season. The Nets are struggling through a rebuild, plagued by injuries and inconsistent play, while the Sixers are heating up and pushing for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference. This game marks the second meeting between these rivals in the 2025-26 season, with Philadelphia dominating the first encounter on November 2, 105-129.
Venue Location
Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA. This state-of-the-art venue, home to the 76ers, seats approximately 20,478 fans and has been a fortress for Philly this year, where they’ve gone 9-5 straight up.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. The game will be broadcast on YES (for Nets fans) and NBCS-PH (for Sixers viewers), with streaming options available on NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Injuries have hit both teams, but Brooklyn is far more depleted, missing key contributors that have derailed their season.
Brooklyn Nets:
Out: Cam Thomas (hamstring – expected to miss at least two more weeks), Haywood Highsmith (left knee sprain – re-evaluated in eight weeks), Drake Powell (right ankle sprain), Trendon Watford (left adductor strain).
Questionable: Dominick Barlow (illness), Quentin Grimes (illness).
Notable Notes: Rookie Ben Saraf has been recalled from the G League but isn’t on the injury report, potentially adding depth at point guard. The Nets’ depth issues have forced reliance on Michael Porter Jr. and Noah Clowney for heavy minutes.
Philadelphia 76ers:
Probable: Joel Embiid (right knee injury management – missed the last two games due to illness and knee concerns but is expected to suit up).
Out/Questionable Notes: Recent absences include Paul George (left knee injury management – rested in back-to-backs) and Kelly Oubre (knee), but neither is listed as out for this game. Rookie VJ Edgecombe (hot streak with 20+ points in four straight) and Jared McCain (probable with thumb concerns) should be available. Andre Drummond could start if Embiid sits, with Adem Bona as backup.
heavy.com +2
These injuries tilt the scales heavily toward Philly, especially if Embiid plays, as Brooklyn lacks the size to match up inside.
Player Matchups
This game features intriguing battles between star scorers and defensive assignments, with Philadelphia’s talent edge likely deciding the outcomes.
Tyrese Maxey (PHI) vs. Michael Porter Jr. (BKN): The marquee matchup pits two of the league’s top scorers. Maxey, averaging 31.7 points (3rd in NBA) and 7.1 assists, exploded for 38 points against Dallas recently and will exploit Brooklyn’s perimeter defense, which ranks 22nd in opponent 3-point percentage. Porter Jr. (25.6 PPG, 14th in league) is Brooklyn’s offensive engine, coming off a 24-point game vs. Toronto, but he’ll struggle guarding Maxey’s speed without Thomas or Highsmith for help.
Joel Embiid (PHI) vs. Noah Clowney (BKN): If Embiid plays, this is a mismatch nightmare for Brooklyn. The former MVP dominates inside (assuming he’s probable), while Clowney (17.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG since December) has been solid but lacks the physicality to contain Embiid’s post game. Expect Philly to feed Embiid early.
VJ Edgecombe (PHI) vs. Nets Wings (e.g., Quentin Grimes if available): Edgecombe, the standout rookie, is on a tear (20+ points in four straight, including 26 vs. Dallas). He’ll attack Brooklyn’s depleted wings, where Grimes (questionable) or backups like Saraf could be overmatched.
Other Key Battles: Paul George (if active) could feast on Brooklyn’s 25th-ranked defense, while Philly’s Andre Drummond (double-double threat) dominates the glass against a Nets team allowing 45.8 RPG to opponents.
Philly’s superior depth and home-court energy should overwhelm Brooklyn’s makeshift lineup.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams are coming off wins, but Philly’s streak feels more sustainable.
Brooklyn Nets (Last 5 Games):
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 21 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 96-81 |
| Dec 18 | vs. Miami Heat | L 95-106 |
| Dec 12 | @ Dallas Mavericks | L (exact score not detailed, but part of rough stretch) |
| Dec 4 | vs. Utah Jazz | L (ongoing skid) |
| Dec 3 | vs. Chicago Bulls | L (defensive struggles) |
Form: 1-4 in last 5, averaging 110.0 PPG but allowing 111.2. They’ve snapped a five-game losing streak with the Raptors win, led by Porter Jr.’s scoring, but injuries have led to poor fourth-quarter execution (e.g., blown leads).
Philadelphia 76ers (Last 5 Games):
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| Dec 20 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 121-114 |
| Dec 19 | @ New York Knicks | W 116-107 |
| Dec 7 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | L 108-112 |
| Dec 2 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 121-102 |
| Nov 28 | @ Brooklyn Nets | W 115-103 |
Form: 4-1 in last 5 (6-2 in last 8), averaging 113.0 PPG while holding opponents to 114.2. Maxey and Edgecombe have carried the load during Embiid’s absences, with strong fourth-quarter closes (e.g., Maxey’s 16 points in Q4 vs. Dallas).
Philly’s recent surge includes wins over contenders like the Knicks and Mavericks, while Brooklyn’s lone bright spot was a defensive masterclass against Toronto.
Series History
Philadelphia holds a commanding all-time edge: 129-92 in regular season games (58.0% win rate) and 12-4 in playoffs (3-1 series lead). Brooklyn has won just 51 of 118 head-to-heads historically. Recent tilts favor Philly, including a 129-105 blowout on Nov. 2, 2025, though the Nets stole a close one (105-103) on Feb. 22, 2025. The Sixers are on a 9-game winning streak against Brooklyn dating back to Nov. 22, 2022, before that outlier.
Betting Trends
Philly is 15-11-1 ATS overall and a perfect 1-0 ATS as 12+ point favorites. Nets are 3-2-1 ATS as 12+ point underdogs but 6-4-2 ATS on the road. Under is 5-0 in Sixers’ last 5 as 11+ favorites; Over is 9-4 in Philly’s last 13 Tuesday games. Nets games hit under at home (33.3%) but over on road (41.7%).
Nets are 5-1 ATS when scoring 115+ points (but they average just 109). Sixers are 6-2 ATS in last 8 vs. Nets.
Game Odds
Brooklyn Nets 218.5
Philadelphia Sixers – 8.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, December 22, 2025
