Tuesday night’s Eastern Conference clash between the Brooklyn Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers comes with more than just playoff implications - it’s also a battle of momentum, matchups, and a few emerging storylines worth keeping an eye on. And if you're tuning in, you’ve got several ways to catch the action.
How to Watch
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET, and fans in both markets have solid coverage options.
In Brooklyn, the YES Network is your go-to, with either Ian Eagle or Noah Eagle on play-by-play duties and former Nets star Vince Carter bringing his insight to the color commentary. On the Philly side, NBC Sports Philadelphia will carry the game, featuring Kate Scott on the call and Alaa Abdelnaby providing analysis.
If you’re outside the local markets or prefer a streaming experience, NBA League Pass is also in the mix. The platform offers two tiers - a $114.99 Premium package that ditches commercials for in-arena feeds and a more standard $79.99 version that includes commercial breaks. Either way, fans can catch the game live wherever they are.
Brooklyn’s Defensive Surge
Don’t look now, but the Nets are quietly putting together one of the league’s stingiest defenses this month. Brooklyn has allowed just 102.3 points per game in December - tops in the NBA over that stretch.
That’s not just a stat, it’s a statement. And it’s not happening by accident.
Noah Clowney and Nic Claxton have been at the heart of this defensive resurgence. Clowney’s rim protection has taken a noticeable leap - he swatted away two shots in Sunday’s win over the Raptors - while Claxton continues to dominate the glass and anchor the paint. Together, they’ve given Brooklyn a physical, mobile frontcourt that’s making life miserable for opposing scorers.
Even Michael Porter Jr., better known for his offensive firepower, is buying in on the other end. He pulled down 11 rebounds to go with his 24 points against Toronto, showing a commitment to the kind of two-way play the Nets need to stay competitive in the East.
Rookies Rising
Brooklyn’s youth movement is also starting to make some real noise. Egor Demin lit up the fourth quarter against the Raptors, knocking down three triples and finishing with 16 points.
His confidence and poise in crunch time were hard to miss. Nolan Traore, fresh off a stint with the G-League’s Long Island Nets, chipped in eight points of his own, continuing to show flashes of what he can bring to the rotation.
It’s not just about filling minutes - these young guys are contributing in meaningful moments. That kind of depth could be a difference-maker as the season wears on.
A Chance for Payback
The Nets have a little extra motivation heading into this one. The last time these two teams met - back on November 28 - the Sixers walked away with a 115-103 win, powered by Tyrese Maxey’s 22 points.
Brooklyn had its moments in that game, with Demin leading all scorers with 23 and six Nets hitting double figures. But the outcome still stung.
Now, with Brooklyn riding a 5-3 stretch and their defense clicking, they’ll look to flip the script on Philly and keep climbing the Atlantic Division standings.
This one has all the makings of a tightly contested matchup - rising stars, defensive grit, and a little unfinished business. Whether you're tuning in on YES, NBC Sports Philly, or League Pass, it’s a game worth watching.