76ers vs. Nets live score, updates, highlights, result from Ben Simmons' return to Philadelphia

The 76ers host Ben Simmons and the Nets in what should be another entertaining return game for Philadelphia’s former No. 1 overall pick.

Although Simmons has already gotten his first return to Philly out of the way, this contest could have another element compared to the last one. When Simmons played his first game at the Wells Fargo Center as an opponent back in November, his former co-star, Joel Embiid, was sidelined due to injury.

Embiid missed the 76ers’ game against the Kings on Saturday due to left foot soreness and the All-Star big man is listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Nets.

Even without Embiid last time, the 76ers still defeated a full-strength Nets squad that had yet to turn a corner at that point in the season. Brooklyn has since discovered a new identity defensively but is trying to stay afloat while superstar forward Kevin Durant recovers from a knee injury.

The 76ers have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA as of late, winning 10 of their last 12 to take over the No. 2 seed in the East. Will they keep rolling and take down the Nets? Or will Simmons avenge the Nets’ loss the last time he returned to Philadelphia?

The Sporting News has you covered with live updates, highlights and more from the game.

76ers vs. Nets score

	1Q	2Q	3Q	4Q	Final
76ers	41
Nets	41

76ers vs. Nets updates, highlights from Ben Simmons’ return to Philadelphia

Second quarter:

8:39 p.m. — Embiid checks back into the game to a loud ovation. Simmons joins him with another loud chorus of boos from the home fans.

8:37 p.m. — Things are getting chippy again as Kyrie Irving and Montrezl Harrell get into it, with the 76ers big man being assessed a technical.

8:33 p.m. — Maxey is lighting it up! He drains the stepback triple for his third 3 of the period. He heads back to the bench with 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting in just 10 minutes. 76ers lead 61-52.

8:32 p.m. — The 76ers are out and running in Q2.

This Sixers fastbreak 🔥

They’re up by 8 on ESPN! #NBARivalsWeek pic.twitter.com/yxydGVawp5

— NBA (@NBA) January 26, 2023

8:30 p.m. — The 76ers’ second unit lineup is giving the Nets problems early in the second, with Tyrese Maxy and Montrezl Harrell getting busy.

End of first quarter: 76ers 41, Nets 41

We’re all square after an entertaining first quarter. This is the first game this season where both teams have scored 40 points in the first quarter.

Melton leads the 76ers with 11 points, while Kyrie Irving and Seth Curry have 10 points apiece for the Nets.

Ben Simmons is scoreless after 12 minutes and is yet to attempt a field goal, recording two assists and one rebound.

8:13 p.m. — Claxton and Embiid having a heated conversation, with the officials assessing a double technical.

8:12 p.m. — NIC CLAXTON!!!! The Nets big man sends Embiid’s shot packing.

BLOCKED BY NIC CLAXTON 🚫

Nets lead on ESPN! #NBARivalsWeek pic.twitter.com/MdRKh6Mxkc

— NBA (@NBA) January 26, 2023

8:11 p.m. — The Nets take their first lead of the game behind an 8-0 run. Nets lead 32-30.

8:05 p.m. — Kyrie Irving takes a hard fall, slipping on the floor as he drove to the basket. Afer stating down for a moment, he’s back on his feet.

8:00 p.m. — De’Anthony Melton keeping the 76ers in front with another triple! He’s 3-for-3 in Q1.

D3’Anthony is 3-3 from 3! pic.twitter.com/UK9c8ByaxI

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 26, 2023

7:50 p.m. — All four field goals from the 76ers have come from beyond the arc, while connecting on a perfect 7-of-7 at the free throw line. 76ers lead 19-10.

7:48 p.m. — The Philly crowd reigning down the boos on Ben Simmons after he fouls Joel Embiid.

Boos for Ben Simmons in Philly after his first foul on Embiid 👀 pic.twitter.com/HbSfVb35IP

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 26, 2023

7:45 p.m. — Kyrie Irving getting it going early.

KAI getting to his spots pic.twitter.com/2KDwy1oTHH

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 26, 2023

7:40 p.m. — And we’re underway in Philly. De’Anthony Melton buries the 3-pointer for the first bucket of the game.

Pregame

7:08 p.m. — Sixers starters: James Harden, De’Anthony Melton, Tobias Harris, P.J. Tucker, and Joel Embiid.

tonight’s starting five:

🔔 P.J. Tucker
🔔 @Tobias31
🔔 @JoelEmbiid
🔔 @DeAnthonyMelton
🔔 @JHarden13

👕 @alscouniforms pic.twitter.com/NBVEkIlYoP

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 26, 2023

7:04 p.m. — Nets starters: Ben Simmons, Kyrie Irving, Joe Harris, Royce O’Neale, and Nic Claxton.

Sticking with the same starters tonight pic.twitter.com/Kdlqw7MLeo

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 26, 2023

7:00 p.m. — Ben Simmons in the building.

Ben is in the building.

🆚: Nets-Sixers
⏰: 7:30pm/et
📺: ESPN#NBARivalsWeek pic.twitter.com/7QTfPR9F4K

— NBA (@NBA) January 26, 2023

6:45 p.m. — Check in with Tyrese Maxey on the 76ers looking to extend their five-game win streak.

“Some of the main keys [to keep
the win streak going] would be defensively staying tied together, keeping the communication right, and then playing together on the offensive end.”

Courtside Comparisons pres. by @NerdWallet pic.twitter.com/fehHTC4lGF

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 25, 2023

What channel is 76ers vs. Nets on?

Date: Wednesday, Jan. 25
TV channel: ESPN
Live streaming: Sling TV

76ers vs. Nets will air on ESPN. Viewers can also stream the game on Sling TV.

Fans in the U.S. can watch the biggest games of the 2022-23 NBA season on Sling TV, which is now offering HALF OFF your first month! Stream Sling Orange for $20 in your first month to catch all regular season 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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