76ers at Nets
THE STORY: The Philadelphia 76ers look to clinch a playoff
spot in the Eastern Conference with a win at New Jersey on Monday.
Philadelphia leads Milwaukee by three games for the conference's last
playoff spot and can make the postseason with one win or a loss by the
Bucks. Monday's contest has special significance for the Nets. It will
be the team's final game in New Jersey after playing at several venues
in the state for 35 years.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, CS Philadelphia, YES (New Jersey)
ABOUT THE 76ERS (33-30): Coach Doug Collins' team will make things a
lot easier on itself by beating the Nets. However, the 76ers haven't
been doing things the easy way the last two months. Philadelphia was
20-9 on Feb. 13, but has struggled since with inconsistent play on both
ends of the floor. The 76ers are 13-21 since their best record of the
season and that includes winning their last two games. Philadelphia is
coming off a 109-106 overtime win in Indiana on Saturday. The victory
came against the league's hottest team and ended the Pacers' seven-game
winning streak. The 76ers have won two straight in a stretch of five
road games to end the season.
ABOUT THE NETS (22-42):
It's doubtful the last game in New Jersey will end in a tearful goodbye.
The Nets' final season before moving to Brooklyn has been truly
forgettable. New Jersey has a worse record at home (9-23) than on the
road (13-19). Any legitimate chance to contend for the playoffs ended
when center Brook Lopez broke his right foot before the season started.
He returned in February, but played in only five games and was done for
the season. Point guard Deron Williams has missed the last three games
because of a sore right calf and his future with the team is in doubt.
The Nets have lost four straight and five of six.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1.
Nets forward Gerald Wallace is averaging 19.5 points in his last two
games. He missed the previous four games with a hamstring injury.
2. The Nets have won two of three meetings between the teams. The home team is winless in the three games.
3.
Saturday marked the first time this season the 76ers have won when
allowing 100 or more points. Philadelphia is 1-10 in those games.