Game 1 preview: 76ers ready to take on Nets, pressure and all

The Philadelphia 76ers are set to face off against the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Sixers came into the regular season with high hopes of ending their championship drought that's lasted since 1983, but they haven't even made it to the Conference Finals since 2001.

Now, after securing the No. 3 seed with 54 wins, the Sixers will need to face a pesky Nets team that's looking to continue their surprising run of success. With Ben Simmons out for the season due to back issues, the Nets managed to win 45 games thanks to the impressive play of Mikal Bridges, who averaged 26.1 points per game since being acquired from Phoenix.

But the Sixers have two standout players in MVP candidate Joel Embiid and James Harden, who led the league in assists per game. Embiid has been a force to be reckoned with, averaging a career-high 33.1 points per game to win his second consecutive scoring title, while also finishing in the top 10 in rebounds and blocked shots.

And with Harden healthy after dealing with a hamstring injury last season, the Sixers are looking to make a deep playoff run.

Sixers coach Doc Rivers knows the pressure is on his team to perform, but he's confident they can handle it.

"If you have a goal that is like ours, if you don’t feel pressure, then you’re probably an alien," Rivers said. "It’s not like we’re thinking, ‘Oh, let’s get out of the second.’ No. Let’s win it. You know what I’m saying?”

This is going to be an intense series, folks. With both teams boasting plenty of talent, it's anyone's game.

So, grab your popcorn and get ready for some playoff basketball!