Sixers face first real challenge with James Harden: Heat, Bulls, Nets

Sixers vs. Nets preview

• Thursday, March 10 at Barclays Center

The thought of seeing Ben Simmons play in an NBA game stuns the minds of Sixers fans. For months, the fans of Philadelphia waited to see if their star prodigal guard return home. Fortunately for the Sixers, their son never returned. Instead, Philadelphia received an improved talent in James Harden. Despite winning the trade, the fans of Philadelphia are anxiously waiting for Simmons to take the floor. A setback with his back injury will make Simmons’ status for Thursday’s matchup doubtful.

The Brooklyn Nets will have other weapons at disposal by the time they face off against Philadelphia. Kevin Durant will be expected to make his return Thursday against the Miami Heat and will be prepared for Monday’s matchup against the Sixers. Durant’s 29 points per game have kept the Nets afloat while they await Kyrie Irving’s eligibility. While Irving’s status remains uncertain, it will be up to Durant to keep Brooklyn’s playoff hopes alive.

Winning will become more important as the regular season progresses. There are six teams in the Eastern conference that are separated by one game or less. While the competition increases in the East, Joel Embiid and James Harden remain calm. The road to the NBA playoff is a long journey and the two veterans are determined to make it by any means necessary.