The Philadelphia 76ers (19-9) will look to extend their league-leading record at home (14-1) against the Brooklyn Nets (10-18) at Wells Fargo Center. Though their first matchup against the Nets at Barclays Center is one they'd like to forget, it was Jimmy Butler's game-winner in their second match-up that everyone will remember. But tonight, Butler is doubtful with a groin strain.
Here are the essentials for tonight's matchup.
• When: 7 p.m. ET with Sixers Pregame Live at 6:30 p.m.
• Where: Wells Fargo Center
• Broadcast: NBC Sports Philadelphia
• Live stream: nbcsportsphiladelphia.com and the NBC Sports MyTeams app
Here are three storylines to watch.
Spencer Dinwiddie is always a problem
Dinwiddie always causes the Sixers trouble. He scored 31 points in his 28 minutes off the bench in their last matchup, including 4-5 from three-point range. He's second in the league in assists off the bench, trailing only JJ Barea. And is tied for the most double-digit scoring games off the bench with Lou Williams (24). With the Sixers bench already depleted, watch out for Dinwiddie to have another big night.
To blitz or not to blitz?
Philadelphia 76ers
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In their last game against Brooklyn, the Sixers found success defensively after they started blitzing and double teaming the pick and roll in the second half. Defending the pick and roll has been one of the Sixers biggest defensive weaknesses this season. With a team certainly looking to exploit that, it'll be interesting to see what defensive adjustments the Sixers start this game off with.
Clutch Who?
The Brooklyn Nets are tied for the most clutch games (those in which the margin has been five points or fewer during the final five minutes of a game), in the NBA this season with 17, but their record is just 5-12 in those games. The Sixers, on the other hand, have played in just one less clutch game this season, but their record is 13-3 (and two of those wins are game-winning three-pointers by Jimmy Butler). With Butler likely out tonight, and the game on the line, who steps up?
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