The Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets face off in Friday’s NBA Cup matchup at Barclays Center with key injury developments impacting both lineups.
Philadelphia enters on a two-game losing streak at 9–8, while Brooklyn has also dropped its last two contests, sitting at 3–14.
Joel Embiid will miss the game with right knee injury management, leaving the 76ers without their 31-year-old center who averages 19.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Kelly Oubre Jr. (left knee sprain) and Trendon Watford (left adductor strain) are also out, while VJ Edgecombe is sidelined for left calf injury management.
Paul George is questionable with a right ankle sprain, and Adem Bona is probable to play after a right ankle sprain. Jared McCain is available following right thumb surgery recovery with a splint. Philadelphia’s backcourt will rely heavily on Tyrese Maxey (32.2 PPG, 7.5 APG) and Quentin Grimes (16.2 PPG, 4.1 APG) for scoring.
Brooklyn faces its own setbacks with Michael Porter Jr. out due to lower back tightness and Cam Thomas sidelined with a left hamstring strain. Haywood Highsmith is recovering from right knee surgery, while Ben Saraf is questionable with a left ankle sprain. G League assignments keep Nolan Traore and Danny Wolf off the roster.
Nic Claxton and Day’Ron Sharpe will anchor the Nets inside, averaging 14.1 points and 7.5 rebounds, and 6.7 points and 5.5 rebounds respectively, while Terance Mann (8.6 PPG) and Ziaire Williams (9.2 PPG) are tasked with perimeter scoring.
Philadelphia won the first meeting this season 129–105 at Brooklyn on November 2, but current injuries could shift the balance in the Nets’ favor despite their struggles.
