Live Game Thread: Brooklyn Nets at Philadelphia 76ers, 8:00 PM EST

What a strange and stupid 24 hours it has been. After the NBA screwed up the Kevin Durant COVID protocol situation, the Nets are off to Philadelphia where they’ll take on the 76ers without Durant and Kyrie Irving.

So stupid.

James Harden will play and have to carry a heavy load, but it won’t be an easy task against a 76ers team that’s 10-2 at home.

So, so stupid.

Harden and Ben Simmons are both on triple-double watch tonight, while Joel Embiid (if he plays) will be on 40-20 watch. And you? You’ll be on YES Network watch...ing the game.

Let’s go!

WHO: Brooklyn Nets (14-10) at Philadelphia 76ers (16-7)

WHEN: 8:00 PM EST

WHERE: YES (tv), WFAN (radio)

Game preview.

One issue that remains the same from the first meeting is how to slow down Joel Embiid. Our large adult son Jarrett Allen did an admirable job against Embiid the first time around, but as we know, Allen is now residing in Cleveland. That leaves DeAndre Jordan as the main big to battle with Embiid.

With Reggie Perry heading to the G-League bubble, the new(est) guy, Norvel Pelle, figures to get some run as well. Pelle used to be a 76er so he’s used to tussling with Embiid in the paint. He hopes to bring a much needed shot of interior defense and rebounding for a Nets team that needs as much of it as possible. With this being his first bit of action this season, don’t expect too much out of the new guy. Embiid suffered a hyper extension of his knee on Thursday, but he came back the same game and dominated. Embiid is the most important player on the team and his success + health is of the utmost importance.

For more on the 76ers, check out Liberty Ballers.