The end result is this. Kevin Durant, one of the most transcendent players in the league’s history – and the best story of the season with his spectacular return to the game – was embarrassed by the NBA on Friday night. Although he tested positive for coronavirus almost a year ago and negative three times on Friday, he was pushed in front of an international audience through no fault of his own and now may have to sit several games because of what can be kindly called of confusing league, health and safety protocols.
And, oh yes, the Nets lost to the Raptors.
Tonight’s opponent will be the Philadelphia 76ers. Philly finds himself at the top of the Eastern Conference and with Doc Rivers running the show, they hope to return to the NBA Finals for the first time since Allen Iverson’s MVP year in 2001. They were on a four-game winning streak, but that was interrupted later they were washed by a squad of the Portland Trail Blazers, with few people, on Thursday. Things happen.
Where to watch the game
SIM Network on TV. WFAN 101.9 FM on the radio. Prime time notice for the party to start after 8pm.
Injuries
Spencer Dinwiddie and Nicolas Claxton are out. Kevin Durant did not travel to Philadelphia and does not want to play. We will probably find out later today how long KD will be gone.
Mike Scott is out. Shake Milton is everyday. Terrance Ferguson is in the COVID-19 protocols. Ben Simmons missed Thursday’s game due to stiffness in his left calf. No word about your availability for this. Seth Curry was removed from the game due to illness, so no word on his status either. Curry was recently diagnosed with COVID-19 and returned to the court.
The game
Brooklyn won the first meeting on January 7. To say the least, the Nets are incredibly different from that first game. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving did not play and James Harden’s exchange was just days away.
One question that remains the same since the first meeting is how to slow Joel Embiid. Our grown-up son, Jarrett Allen, did an admirable job against Embiid the first time, but, as we know, Allen now lives in Cleveland. This leaves DeAndre Jordan as the main fighter against Embiid.
With Reggie Perry headed for the G-League bubble, the new (more) guy, Norvel Pelle, also thinks about running. Pelle used to be a 76er, so he is used to fighting with Embiid in the painting. He hopes to bring a much-needed interior defense shot and rebound to a Nets team that needs as much as possible. This being your first action this season, don’t expect too much from the new guy. Embiid suffered knee hyperextension on Thursday, but returned in the same game and dominated. Embiid is the most important player in the team and his success + health is of the utmost importance.
Here’s an interesting wrinkle. This is night two in a row for Brooklyn. They are stopped for two days before starting ANOTHER in a row next week, this time in Detroit and at home against Indiana. And the following week, they have a B2B on the West Coast, taking them to Sacramento and Phoenix. Steve Nash and the coaching staff will have to make sure to keep everyone up to date as the schedule gets tighter.
Philly was runner-up in the James Harden draw, and if those teams meet in the playoffs, it will be a great story to watch. Harden has been excellent for the Nets and as the Nets’ attack continues to develop its pace, Harden will continue to pose difficulties for opponents.
Player to watch: Tobias Harris
For just about every championship team and contender you can imagine, they all have a perimeter marker you can count on to get you a bucket when you need it. Can Harris be that guy here? He was always a solid player, but he stood out a lot this season. He is just steps away from a 50/40/90 season and has been a perfect addition to Embiid.
From the vault
I’m in an Aaliyah mood today
More reading: Liberty Ballers