The matchup tonight between the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers is one of the most highly anticipated regular-season matchups in recent history. Given how things unfolded for each team ahead of the 2022 NBA trade deadline, these divisional foes have a budding rivalry.
The blockbuster trade that sent Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and two first-round picks to the Nets in exchange for James Harden and Paul Millsap will connect these teams for years to come. They are among the favorites to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals and their matchups for the duration of the season will be must-see television.
This first one will be a game that a ton of people tune in to watch. While Simmons isn’t suiting up tonight for the Nets, he will likely receive the loudest reaction in the arena and it certainly won’t be cheers raining down.
The Nets are going to be entering a hostile environment, something they will certainly see a lot of during the postseason. The games against the 76ers will have a little extra something during them because of all of the storylines that will be woven into the game.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nets vs 76ers Thursday: 3 Key Factors To Watch In Star-Studded Matchup
One of those storylines is why Harden wanted to leave the Nets in the first place. There have been numerous reports that part of his desire to go to the 76ers was because he was frustrated with Kyrie Irving being a part-time player.
But, Irving isn’t interested in keeping some sort of feud going with Harden. He wished there was more communication, but said that things are all good despite how they transpired and the picture that may have been painted by some outlets.
“I thought we were in a good swing, but everybody has their own visions starting off seasons,” Irving said. “Everybody has their own visions starting off their careers and ending their careers. If that’s what James wanted, then I respect his decision and that’s just what it is. I wish him nothing but peace and love. We have a great friendship, but it didn’t work out. I wish things could have been communicated better for all of us as men, but hey, no hard feelings here with me or anyone else.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nets vs 76ers Thursday: 3 Key Factors To Watch In Star-Studded Matchup
Kyrie Irving is taking the high road here. He is ready to move on and focus on the court with the players that are now with the Brooklyn Nets. James Harden likely feels the same now that he is with a Philadelphia 76ers team that he was hoping to be sent to when he requested a trade from the Houston Rockets.
