New Jersey Nets (10-8) @ Philadelphia 76ers (9-11) Projected Starters Stats Streaks- Nets: W1 / Sixers: W1 Leading Scorers- Nets: Devin Harris (24.2 ppg) / Sixers: Elton Brand (16.7 ppg) Leading Rebounders- Nets: Josh Boone (7.4 rpg) / Sixers: Elton Brand (10.0 rpg) Assist Leaders- Nets: Devin Harris (6.0 apg) / Sixers: Andre Miller (5.6 apg) Field Goal Percentage- Nets: 44.9% / Sixers: 43.8% 3PT Percentage- Nets: 38.2% / Sixers: 32.5% Free Throw Percentage- Nets: 77.6% / Sixers: 74.3% Nets Keys to the Game -The Sixers beat the Pistons in Detroit yesterday and will probably still be high from the win, which means they'll be confident and energetic in the beginning. The Nets need to start strong in order to cool them off. -Make it a high scoring game. This is pretty much a given since the Nets are better when the score is high and the Sixers are 0-5 when their opponents score over 100 points. -Perimeter defense. The Sixers have a high scoring backcourt and the Nets will have to come up with answers. Andre Miller has been great his season and scored 19, 26 and 28 in their last 3 games. Andre Iguadala averages just 14 ppg, but has the ability to take over if the Nets don't stop him. Thaddeus Young is having an impressive sophomore season and Louis Williams brings a spark off the bench. -Box out and stop offensive rebounds. Even without Brand the Sixers have very good rebounders. 2nd chance points will be key tonight. X Factor Devin Harris. He hasn't been too hot the last few games and will face the Sixers' best player, Andre Miller, tonight. His defense on Miller and his scoring output could determine the game tonight. Prediction Sixers 96 - Nets 92
this should be a fun one to watch. I love back to backs. remember, the Nets arrived in Philly before the 76ers did. that can possibly play a factor too. I think keys for us will be how many points Devin scores, and if Brook is as dominant as he was a few games ago.
I think Devin hasn't been hot lately because he hasn't had the same will to drive, score, and attract fouls. He's been passing it off a lot more lately, not that it's a bad thing.
I agree. He's still trying to find that balance between points and assists. Personally, I think he's a scoring point guard and nobody should try to change that, including Devin himself. We were doing fine without him passing 7 or 8 assists per game. As long as we have a guy like Vince, who can be like a 2nd point guard if needed, and a non-selfish roster, we'll be fine with Devin averaging 5-6 apg.
I'm actually somewhat worried about this game because of how free the Sixers looked last night without Brand. I know Frank was all over the tape from last night's game but there is going to be alot of on the fly stuff tonight and I have a feeing this version of the Sixers is going to be a particularly difficult one to prepare for unlike the ball stopping black hole Brand offense they have been running thus far where Thaddeus tries to clean up all the mistakes. Our bigs are gonna have problems with theirs in the low post but hopefully our range can free up space arund the basket for Devin to buzz past Miller and Williams all night.
In games past year or so the nets always seem to have trouble with Dalenbert. He gets a ton of block shots against the nets and really controls the paint area. I'm looking forward to see how Lopez does against him. I'm predicting that Lopez will get him in foul trouble.
Harris passed a lot yesterday, but damn Lopez and somebody couldn't make it, or I would say Harris had 8 assists now.
