The Philadelphia 76ers (19-10) still have a one game lead in the Eastern Conference standings over the Brooklyn Nets (19-12), but both of these teams are trending in different directions. The Sixers just came off a rough road trip going 1-3 before coming home and squeaking by a bad Rockets team after being outscored 70-49 in the second half. In Philadelphia's defense they only had Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid together for 3 of the 5 games, but you would like to see a more consistent squad being put out each night.
On the other hand you have the Brooklyn Nets breathing down the necks of the Sixers. The Nets are winners of five straight with All-Star Captain Kevin Durant only playing in one of those contests. Even Kyrie Irving was absent for one of those games as well, so James Harden took the reigns. 4 of the 5 teams Brooklyn beat are also current playoff teams, not making it an easy stretch. So even though the Nets are in a similar situation as the Sixers with an inconsistent lineup being put out each night, Brooklyn seems to still prevail, while Philly is having issues. When Durant comes back the Eastern Conference could be in big trouble. Oh the perks of having a superteam!
Do you think there is anyway the Sixers can fight off the Nets from taking first place in the Eastern Conference?
Kyle Nunnamaker (@Kyle_Nunnamaker)