Nets' Standout Thinks 76ers Could Become True Rivals in Playoffs

When the Philadelphia 76ers begin their 2023 playoff run, they’ll start with a seven-game series against the sixth-seeded Brooklyn Nets.

Considering the Nets and the Sixers are both placed in the Atlantic Division and have had some intense battles over the last few seasons, one might think that Sixers-Nets is a potential NBA rivalry in the making.

When asked about it, Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie mentioned that he believes it “definitely” could become a rivalry, but it’s not quite there yet, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post.

“Definitely,” Dinwiddie said. “I think we need a little more long-standing success as a rivalry to call Philly a true rival, but we have had some iconic meetings when I was there. They had a little beef; Nic [Claxton] and Embiid got into it, and Embiid had elbowed Jarrett, stuff like that. I’d say it’s too early.”

With the Nets making significant roster changes at the trade deadline this season, they are far from the same team.

However, Dinwiddie’s return added some spice to the first-round series as he was around for the Nets’ last first-round battle against the Sixers in 2018.

After Brooklyn defeated the Sixers at home in South Philly for Game 1, the series garnered a lot of attention as the Sixers were favored to win.

While some of the games were tight and had a lot of dramatic moments, the Sixers ultimately won the series in five games.

Dinwiddie will be out for revenge in the first round. And the new-look Nets will certainly look to stun the third-seeded Sixers.

While the 76ers are favored to move on to the second round this season, Dinwiddie and the Nets hope to give fans a reason to call Nets versus Sixers a rivalry this postseason.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.