CAMDEN, N.J. -- Even with Ben Simmons not playing in Thursday night's game between the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers, there is plenty of excitement surrounding the game in Philadelphia.
Sixers coach Doc Rivers said after Wednesday's practice that while he isn't a fan of the way this Atlantic Division rivalry began, he is a fan of rivalries in general -- and thinks the NBA is in great shape with how wide open and competitive the Eastern Conference is.
"I don't like how, let's say, this rivalry was started," Rivers said with a smile.