The Philadelphia 76ers are navigating a challenging stretch, with Tyrese Maxey joining Joel Embiid and Paul George on the sidelines. This trio's absence, along with frustrations lingering from the Jared McCain trade, has left the Sixers at 35-31, now sitting ninth in the Eastern Conference. It feels like they're biding time until the Play-In Tournament.
Saturday's matchup offers a glimmer of hope as they face the 17-49 Brooklyn Nets, who are 13th in the East. The Nets are not just tanking but are also severely shorthanded. Key players like Nic Claxton, Drake Powell, Day’Ron Sharpe, and Egor Demin are out, and Michael Porter Jr. is doubtful with an ankle sprain.
The Sixers, however, aren't getting reinforcements either. Embiid remains out with an oblique strain, and there's no update on his condition. Alongside Maxey and George, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Johni Broome are also sidelined, with Adem Bona and Andre Drummond questionable due to back issues.
The Nets, ranking 27th in both offensive and defensive ratings, have gone 2-12 in their last 14 games. While they should be a beatable opponent, nothing is guaranteed for the Sixers in their current state.
Brooklyn's season hasn't offered much excitement, though Porter Jr. has been a bright spot when healthy, averaging 24.5 points per game with a 59.5 true shooting percentage. The Nets are experimenting with young talent, and players like Josh Minott have shown potential with standout performances.
For the Sixers, Cam Payne has been a beacon of hope, dropping a career-high 32 points and 10 assists against the Grizzlies, followed by a solid performance against the Pistons. Payne's contributions could be crucial against the Nets.
VJ Edgecombe will also need to step up. Despite a rough shooting night against the Pistons, he showed promise earlier in the week with a well-rounded game against Memphis. His performance could be pivotal on Saturday.
Dalen Terry is another player to watch. The 6-foot-6 guard displayed impressive footwork and finishing around the basket against Detroit, and more of the same would be beneficial.
While the Sixers' playoff hopes are dimming, some fans are debating whether the team should intentionally tank. With the injuries piling up, that might happen naturally. Losing Maxey has been a significant blow, further complicating their path forward.