Adam Armbrecht here, the host of the daily Locked On Nets podcast, with your daily Locked On Nets newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Nets and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
NBA Cup: Brooklyn Nets look to continue Joel Embiid and 76ers downward spiral
Nov 20, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) wipes his face during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images|Petre Thomas/Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
As the Brooklyn Nets prepare to face the Philadelphia 76ers, the stakes are high in the NBA Cup group stage. The Nets, currently standing at 6-9, are set to challenge the 76ers, who have surprisingly underperformed with a 2-12 record. It adds an extra layer of excitement to the NBA Cup games, which have been more thrilling than anticipated.
The Nets have shown resilience, and despite their record, they’ve been a team full of surprises. The NBA Cup games have injected a new level of energy, and while the Nets could have been 2-0 if not for a close loss to the Knicks, there’s still plenty of juice left in this competition. Beating the 76ers would not only be a sweet victory for Nets fans but also a step closer to advancing to the NBA Cup.
The State of the 76ers and the Nets’ Opportunity
Philadelphia’s struggles have been amusing for some, especially given the high expectations surrounding their roster. With Embiid out of the lineup at times and Tyrese Maxey reportedly calling him out for tardiness, the 76ers’ locker room seems to be in disarray. In contrast, the Nets have embraced a new standard under coach Jordi Fernandez, focusing on teamwork and camaraderie.
The 76ers’ current position as the top contender for the draft lottery is a stark contrast to their preseason expectations. While they might eventually turn things around, their current form presents a golden opportunity for the Nets. A win against Philadelphia would not only boost the Nets’ NBA Cup hopes but also provide a morale boost for a team that thrives on their underdog mentality.
The Nets have been underestimated this season, but they’ve consistently outperformed expectations. The 76ers, on the other hand, have been plagued by injuries and internal issues. With Embiid back, the 76ers are still favorites, but the Nets have a real chance to capitalize on Philadelphia’s vulnerabilities. The game is set to be a thrilling encounter, with the potential for the Nets to make a significant statement.
Ben Simmons and the Return to Philadelphia
One of the intriguing storylines is Ben Simmons’ return to Philadelphia. The reception he receives from the Philly crowd will be telling. If the boos are less intense, it might indicate deeper issues within the 76ers’ fanbase. Simmons’ performance will be crucial, especially if he can replicate his recent form, where he showed glimpses of his potential.
The Nets’ strategy against Embiid will be pivotal. With players like Nicolas Claxton potentially available, the Nets can throw different looks at Embiid to disrupt his game. Claxton’s ability to get under opponents’ skin could be an asset in a game that promises to be physical and intense.
As the Nets aim to climb the NBA Cup standings, every game counts. A victory over the 76ers would not only improve their record but also enhance their point differential, a key factor in advancing. The path to the NBA Cup knockout stage is challenging, but the Nets have shown they can meet the challenge.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Brooklyn Nets’ season and their NBA Cup journey, tune into the Locked On Nets podcast for this and much more.
They’ve had close wins, technical wins, nail-biters and blow-outs; they’ve (reportedly) turned down superstars and and currently sit third in the west with a record of 11-5 — In a Western Conference finally coming alive, can the Houston Rockets keep this up?
The Rockets are on pace to tie or surpass the franchise’s win record of 64, set by a team led by James Harden in 2017-2018. It was Harden’s — and all the failed years of being in the running for title contention — ghost that still hung over the franchise as recently as last season, no matter that Harden himself has been part of three different rosters since he sulked his way out of Houston. Everything from the Rockets brand of basketball to the team’s waylaid trajectory back into competition had been set and then upended by him.
It was something of an exorcism then, that Houston handily beat Harden’s current team, the Clippers, in back-to-back games this week.
What feels especially lasting about the winning pace the Rockets have set is that there’s plenty room for the team to improve. Houston’s sitting at 25th overall in field goal percentage, 27th in three-point percentage, and is still claiming the ninth overall offensive ranking in the league. Their starters have all been shooting well below their career bests, and yet, nothing about the Rockets’ wins have looked harried.
For a team that has an average of just four years NBA experience between them, there’s a wealth of patience. When the Rockets have been pressed this season, or teams like the Pacers and Bulls have tried to rush them with pace, they fall back on snapping passes and sinking into ball movement. There are still sequences of ISO ball and flubbed defensive rotations, but Houston has leaned into their transitions as opportunities to reset. No doubt in part to having the always unflappable Fred VanVleet driving this thing, plus the veteran offensive ballasts of Jeff Green and Dillon Brooks.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Legacy Will NBA expansion bring the SuperSonics back to Seattle? Find out. (The Athletic)
Biz Amid their early-season tank, the Sixers expected to scour the trade market for power forwards. (Real GM)
Injury The Brooklyn Nets are optimistic as they head into their matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. Key players are returning to health, providing a much-needed boost to the roster. Getting healthier at this crucial time could be pivotal for the team’s performance. (NetsDaily)
Rumor The latest episode of The Brooklyn Podcast dives into the possibility of a Cam Thomas trade. Discussions center on whether the Nets might be too strong to consider tanking this season. (NetsDaily)
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Franz Wagner A First Round Fantasy Basketball Player?
Nov 21, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) celebrates with guard Jalen Suggs (4) after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers with a 3-point basket with 2.5 seconds left in the game at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images|Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Orlando Magic edged out the LA Lakers with a 119-118 victory. The game was a showcase of talent and strategy, with the Magic overcoming a deficit to secure the win. Franz Wagner was the standout performer, continuing his impressive form with a stellar 37 points, six rebounds, and 11 assists. His all-around game, including four steals and four threes, solidified his status as a top fantasy asset. Wagner’s recent performances have elevated him to first-round value in fantasy leagues, making him a potential sell-high candidate, though his current form might make holding onto him equally appealing.
Dalton Knecht’s Role and Performance
Dalton Knecht played a significant role for the Lakers, logging the most minutes on the team. While his 17 points, four rebounds, and one assist were solid, they highlighted the limitations in his fantasy profile. Knecht’s reliance on scoring and shooting efficiency means that while he’s a valuable asset, his contributions in other categories remain limited. Fantasy managers should monitor his role closely, especially as the Lakers adjust their rotations.
Anthony Black’s Consistency Concerns
Anthony Black’s performance was less consistent, with 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists on 25% shooting. While his recent games have shown flashes of potential, this outing underscores the volatility in his production. Fantasy managers who picked up Black for his upside should consider holding him through the Magic’s favourable schedule but remain cautious about his long-term consistency.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Nets podcasts.
Nets open to trading Cam Thomas? Say it ain’t so Sean Marks Recent reporting had it that the Nets would be open for business in trading all of their players, and Cam Thomas could be someone they heard offers this season.
Cam Johnson shines and Brooklyn Nets come back to beat Hornets
The Brooklyn Nets were without Cam Thomas on Tuesday, but Cam Johnson picked up the slack, scoring 34 points in a comeback win over the Charlotte Hornets.
Brooklyn Nets getting Trendon Watford and Day’Ron Sharpe back can help in short-term
The Brooklyn Nets have been crushed on the interior this season and could really use some size in the post to deal with opposing team’s centers. Trendon Watford back means another big body in the mix and Day’Ron Sharpe is targeting a return soon. How will they factor in with Nic Claxton out with injury?
