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Sixers-Warriors preview: Brett Brown's group looking to improve transition defense

Transition defense will be a big factor on whether the Sixers stand a chance against the defending champs. The Warriors scored 32 fast-break points in the teams' first meeting of the season.

Warriors forward Kevin Durant lays up a shot against the Sixers on Saturday, Nov. 11.
Warriors forward Kevin Durant lays up a shot against the Sixers on Saturday, Nov. 11.Read moreBEN MARGOT / AP
    by Keith Pompey | Columnist
    Published 

Golden State Warriors (11-4) at 76ers (8-6)

Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Wells Fargo Center

Talking points

The Sixers must play better transition defense than they did in a 21-point loss to the Golden State Warriors on Nov. 11.  The Warriors scored 32 fast-break points in the teams' first meeting of the season. The Sixers  must also do a better job trying to defend Kevin Durant, who scored 29 points in three quarters  of action in the first game.

How to watch and follow the game

  1. TV and streaming: NBC Philadelphia

  2. Radio: 97.5 FM

  3. Twitter: @PompeyOnSixers ; @NBASarah

Starting lineups

Sixers (8-6)

33 Robert Covington SF 6-9  16.5 ppg. 1.50 spg

9 Dario Saric PF 6-10  9.6 ppg. 5.3 rpg.

21 Joel Embiid C 7-2 23.0 ppg. 11.2 rpg.

17 JJ Redick SG 6-4  14.8 ppg. 4.1 apg.

25 Ben Simmons PG 6-10 17.8 ppg. 9.2 rpg.

Coach: Brett Brown (fifth season, 83-259)

Injury report: Markelle Fultz (right shoulder scapular muscle imbalance, out); Justin Anderson (left shin splits, out); Nik Stauskas (sprained right ankle, out); Jerryd Bayles (left wrist bruise, TBD).

Warriors  (11-4)

34 Kevin Durant SF 6-11 24.8 ppg 7.1 rpg.

23 Draymond Green PF 6-7 10.9  ppg. 7.7 rpg.

27 Zaza Pachulia C 6-11 4.1 ppg. 5.1 rpg.

11 Klay Thompson SG 6-7 20.1 ppg. 4.1 rpg.

30 Steph Curry PG 6-3 24.0 ppg. 6.6 apg.

Coach: Steve Kerr  (fourth season, 218-43)

Injury report: None

Head to head

The Sixers hold a 165-149 series advantage. However, the Warriors have won nine straight and 10 of the last 11 series meetings.

Upcoming games

Monday 7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center, Utah Jazz vs. Sixers

Wednesday: 7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center, Portland Trail Blazers vs. Sixers

Friday: 7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center,  Orlando Magic vs. Sixers

Nov. 27:  7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center, Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Sixers

Nov. 29: 7 p.m., at Wells Fargo Center, Washington Wizards vs. Sixers