As the Brooklyn Nets begin a road swing on Friday with a visit to Philadelphia, the host 76ers are wrapping up a challenging stretch away from home that hasn’t gone well for the struggling team.
Heading into Friday’s NBA Cup East: Group A matchup against the Nets, the 76ers are on a five-game losing streak, including all three games from their recently completed road trip.
Their journey ended on Wednesday with a 117-111 loss to Memphis, despite 2023 MVP Joel Embiid delivering his best performance of the season.
Embiid posted game highs of 35 points and 11 rebounds in his fourth contest since rejoining the Sixers’ lineup after missing the first nine games with a lingering knee injury.
Philadelphia has been winless in Embiid’s four appearances this season, tallying only two wins overall and none in NBA Cup play. The Sixers started group play with a 111-99 loss to the New York Knicks on November 12, followed by a 98-86 road loss to the Orlando Magic on November 15. Philadelphia is also dealing with another key injury as Paul George left Wednesday’s game with a hyperextended knee.
Coach Nick Nurse indicated that George’s injury might be similar to a bone bruise, which wouldn’t require a lengthy absence. However, the team is awaiting further details ahead of Friday’s home game.
Amid the injuries and roster upheaval, rookie Jared McCain has emerged as a bright spot for the Sixers’ disappointing start. His 20-point performance on Wednesday marked his sixth consecutive game scoring 20 or more points. McCain has made at least three three-pointers in each of those contests, averaging 25.5 points over that span.
The Nets snapped a three-game losing streak on Tuesday and improved to 1-1 in the NBA Cup with a 116-115 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. Cam Johnson led the way with 34 points, while Trendon Watford hit a crucial jumper with 38 seconds remaining to provide the necessary cushion.
Watford finished with 10 points in 19 minutes, just his second game back from a hamstring injury sustained in training camp.
Nets point guard Dennis Schroder continued his solid two-way play in Tuesday’s win, contributing 14 points and 12 assists. Schroder is averaging 17.8 points and 6.5 assists over 15 games, all as a starter.
