The 76ers have made it past the first round in four of their five playoff appearances in the Joel Embiid era, but expectations are far higher this season.
With Embiid potentially headed for his first MVP award and Philadelphia posting its highest win total in 22 years, the pressure is on Doc Rivers to guide his team to at least a conference finals appearance. The journey starts Saturday against the Nets.
Brooklyn isn't the same team it was at the beginning of the season when Steve Nash was coaching a group led by Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Jacque Vaughn now has the reins of the team, with Mikal Bridges, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Cameron Johnson leading the way as the Nets try to salvage a turbulent season.
The final few weeks of the season made it clear that Bridges is a formidable No. 1 scoring option for Brooklyn, but will he be enough to match the duo of Embiid and James Harden? Bridges might be playing with a chip on his shoulder, considering the 76ers traded him on draft night in 2018.
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The 76ers won't panic if they come out flat against the Nets on Saturday. Philadelphia lost Game 1 to Brooklyn in this round in 2019 before winning four straight and advancing. Still, for a team with championship aspirations, building confidence is key ahead of some even tougher potential matchups down the line.
Here's what you need to know to watch Game 1 of the NBA playoff series between the 76ers and Nets, including start time and channel.
What channel is 76ers vs. Nets on?
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live stream: ESPN+, Sling TV
Game 1 between the 76ers and Nets will air on ESPN. Viewers can also live stream the game on Sling TV.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA's biggest playoff games on Sling TV, which is now offering HALF OFF your first month! Stream Sling Orange for $20 in your first month to catch all the games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $27.50 in your first month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.
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What time is 76ers vs. Nets?
- Date: Saturday, April 15
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pa.
76ers vs. Nets will tip off at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday from Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pa.
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76ers vs. Nets series schedule, TV channels
Game 1 of the seven-game series between the 76ers and Nets will take place on Saturday, April 15. The series will shift to Brooklyn for Game 3 and return to Philadelphia for Game 5 if necessary.
Below is a full schedule for the 76ers vs. Nets playoff series.
| Date | Game | Location | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| April 15 | Game 1 | Wells Fargo Center | 1 p.m. | ESPN |
| April 17 | Game 2 | Wells Fargo Center | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| April 20 | Game 3 | Barclays Center | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| April 22 | Game 4 | Barclays Center | 1 p.m. | TNT |
| April 24 | Game 5* | Wells Fargo Center | TBD | TBD |
| April 27 | Game 6* | Barclays Center | TBD | TBD |
| April 29 | Game 7* | Wells Fargo Center | TBD | TBD |
*If necessary
