The Philadelphia 76ers play host to the Brooklyn Nets in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first-round playoffs at Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday.

The Nets (1-3) have shown some serious fight in this series but they simply appear to be outmatched. While D'Angelo Russell and Caris LeVert are doing their jobs, there's simply not enough production from their role players. What's really discouraging is their lackluster defense, with the Nets allowing 129 points per game in the last three defeats. That's unacceptable from a team that saw a much-improve defense throughout the regular season and it's becoming crystal clear that Brooklyn doesn't have the roster to match up with Philly. In any case, this playoff appearance is a step in the right direction and Brooklyn fans need to be encouraged about that.

The Sixers (3-1) have won three-straight games, as that Game 1 loss appears to have woken up a sleeping bear. Getting Joel Embiid back and fully healthy is definitely a part of it though and it's clear this is a team to fear in the east. They appear well on their way to facing the Toronto Raptors in the second-round and that should be a heck of a series. There's still one more game to take care of business though and Philly wants this series to end here and now. One thing to keep an eye on is the chippiness, as there was a big skirmish between Jimmy Butler and Jared Dudley in Game 4. Those are both some chippy veterans and it's worth keeping an eye on them in this do-or-die game to see if there's any more unnecessary shennanigans.

Dating back to the regular season, Philly has won five of their last six games over Brooklyn. A victory here would send the Sixers to their second-straight Conference Semi-Finals.