joel embiid

Joel Embiid Returns But Sixers Suffer Blowout Loss

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After missing the past two games, Joel Embiid was finally able to return to the court for the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers had managed without him in Game 1 against the Boston Celtics, largely thanks to James Harden. Harden had put up 45 points to steal a road win in Boston. However, the Sixers needed Embiid back on the court to stand a chance at weathering the Boston storm long-term.

However, the Sixers’ Game 1 win put the team in a good position. Rather than utilize Embiid to play catch up on their Eastern Conference rivals, they could use their MVP to extend their lead. The Sixers have not progressed past the Conference Semifinals since the 2000-01 season. They are 0-6 in the second round of the playoffs since that season. Two of those series losses have come against the Celtics.

Celtics Rout Sixers

So about capitalizing on that lead with Embiid back. Understandably, Doc Rivers played his MVP cautiously. The center had 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 blocks in 27 minutes. However, no one was able to set up to replace his productivity, even with Rivers using all but one of his bench players. Tobias Harris led the team in scoring with 16 points. Meanwhile, Philly’s nine bench players saw a combined 97 minutes on the floor but only managed to add 26 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 assists. Embiid and Harris were the only Sixers starters to reach 15 points.

The real story of the game came from the Celtics’ defense. After allowing the Sixers to sink 17 threes in Game 1, Boston forced an awful 6-for-30 shooting night from behind the arc in Game 2. While Jayson Tatum put up just seven points on a foul-riddled night, other Celtics stepped up offensively. Jaylen Brown led all scorers with 25 points while Marcus Brogdon added 23 from the bench. The resulting 121-87 drubbing becomes Philly’s fourth-worst playoff loss in team history. Ironically, the worst playoff loss, a 40-point loss in 1982, also came at the hands of the Celtics. However, the Sixers will get the chance to bounce back at home as the series moves to Philadelphia. The Sixers went 29-12 at Wells Fargo Center during the regular season. Game 3 is set for May 5 at 7:30pm.

Twitter Reacts

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Joel Embiid To Play In Sixers-Celtics Game 2

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While the Philadelphia 76ers have only been without newly-crowned MVP Joel Embiid for two games, it has felt like an age for fans. Embiid was assessed to have an LCL sprain in his right knee following Game 3 of the first-round matchup between the Sixers and Nets. This forced Embiid to miss the series-sealing Game 4. The Sixers are not an “Embiid or bust” team. However, the star’s absence has definitely been felt on the court.

Ahead of their second-round matchup against the Boston Celtics, Sixers head coach Doc Rivers warned fans that Embiid was likely not ready to play in Game 1. However, even without Embiid, the Sixers managed to steal a win on the road thanks to the heroics of James Harden. Harden put up 45 points in the Sixers’ Game 1 road victory. But now, finally, Sixers fans are set to receive some good news.

Embiid Back Barring Setback

First reported by The Athletic, Joel Embiid will appear in May 3’s Game 2 provided he is able to get through Wednesday’s team shootaround and pre-game workout. Embiid will also likely be asked about his playing condition at an NBA press conference concerning his MVP award. Confidence seems high though, with Embiid the first player onto the court during the team workout on Wednesday morning. Game 2 between the Sixers and Celtics is scheduled to begin at 8:00PM EDT. The game will take place at Boston’s TD Garden.

However, Rivers is still being cautious about his star player’s condition. “It’s just health-based. If he can play, he plays. If he can’t, he can’t. And if it’s 50-50, we would probably err on the other side [and not have him play], because we’ve done that all year,” Rivers said on Tuesday afternoon. Embiid appeared in 66 regular season games for the Sixers this season. That was third-highest amongst starters, trailing P.J. Tucker and Tobias Harris. Additionally, through three playoff games, Embiid is averaging 20 points and 11.3 rebounds per game. Who do you think will win between the Sixers and Celtics? Be sure to make HotNewHipHop your number one stop for all the latest sports news.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Joel Embiid Named 2023-23 NBA MVP

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Joel Embiid Drops 59 Points Marking New Career High

Your 2023-23 NBA Most Valuable Player is Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers. The announcement was delivered on Inside the NBA, revealing the Sixers big beat out Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antentokounmpo.

Embiid received 73 of the 100 first-place votes that were cast (915 in total). Jokic received 15 of the 674 first-place votes, while Antetokounmpo received 12 (606). Both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and forward Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics placed fourth and fifth, respectively.

“I don’t even know where to start,” Embiid said. “It’s been a long time coming, a lot of hard work. I’ve been through a lot, and I’m not just talking about basketball … it feels good. I don’t know what to say. It’s amazing.”

Embiid watched the presentation alongside 76ers teammates Tobias Harris, James Harden, and Gorgei Niang, coming off a Game 1 victory over the Boston Celtics, where he had to sit out nursing an injury.

You can hear Embiid talk about the win with the Inside Crew below.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Joel Embiid Named 2023-23 NBA MVP appeared first on The Source.

Joel Embiid Receives Injury Update For Game 1 Vs. Boston

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Joel Embiid has had an incredible season. The Sixers superstar is more than likely winning his first MVP award. However, the playoffs have become a different breed. Embiid suffered an injury during the team’s opening-round series with the Brooklyn Nets. A hard spill on the court had Embiid nursing his back until he was pulled from the game. Luckily for the Sixers, the team was able to take down the Nets in the potential MVP’s absence. However, the chances of Embiid starting the second round don’t sound promising.

NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski spoke about the injury during a segment on NBA Today on Monday. Here is what Wojnarowski had to say on the Philly big man’s availability. “I’m told that Joel Embiid is unlikely to play in Game 1 against the Celtics tonight in Boston… There has been improvement and I’m told there is optimism that he could make his return for Game 2 on Wednesday.” So it looks as if the Sixers will be massive gun down when they start their series with the Celtics on Monday night.

Joel Embiid To Miss Game 1 Vs. Celtics

With the Bucks already eliminated, the winner of the Celtics-Sixers series has a lot at stake. For instance, the winner will be rewarded home-court advantage for the Eastern Conference Finals. As both teams are higher seeds than the Heat or Knicks. However, winning this series is the only thing on each team’s mind. The Sixers have proven they can win without Embiid. But the Celtics may prove to be a tougher challenge than the Nets. However, the team may see Embiid back on the court sooner rather than later.

Injuries have seemingly plagued every team in this post-season. Even the Celtics are dealing with a bizarre injury to forward Jaylen Brown. However, Brown’s injury wasn’t sustained on the floor. Brown sliced his hand open when a busted vase fell on him at home. However, the injury hasn’t seemed like a big issue with Brown’s play from the team’s first series. Can the Sixers win the series without Joel Embiid? Please give us your predictions on the Sixers-Celtics series in our comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

Embiid Likely Out For Game 1 Versus Celtics

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MVP front-runner Joel Embiid has been the beating heart of the Sixers all season. However, he was limited to just three games in the Sixers’ four-game sweep of the Nets. The center reportedly suffered an LCL sprain in his right knee, ruling him out of the series-sealing Game 4.

Elsewhere, after postponing a Janet Jackson concert, the Boston Celtics prevailed 4-2 over the Atlanta Hawks. That sets up a second-round meeting between the Celtics and Sixers. No fan needs to be told just how much these two teams hate each other. But Sixers might want to stop reading as Doc Rivers have given an update about Embiid…

Rivers Wouldn’t Bet On Embiid Playing on Monday

“There is no latest,” head coach Doc Rivers said in his media availability on April 29. “Obviously, the doctors looked at him, and he didn’t do anything today. I’ll say this, but if I was a betting man, I would probably say doubtful for at least Game 1. But we’ll see.” That is far from the news that Sixers fans wanted to hear about their star. A healthy Embiid would be vital to overcoming the Celtics, who finished ahead of the Sixers in the regular season. When asked when Embiid might be ready to play, Rivers had a similar dry response. “He has to get better,” was the simple response.

If Embiid does miss Game 1, bench center Paul Reed will likely join the starting five. “I keep the same mental preparation and physical preparation as I would even if he was playing,” Reed said. “I won’t change up what I’m doing any differently. I keep the same mental focus.” Reed had a double-double when starting in place of Embiid for Game 4 against the Nets. “It does a lot for my confidence knowing I can step in and play valuable minutes for the team and give us a boost that we needed in order to close out that series,” Reed continued. “So now I feel I can go into the next series and give us another boost. If Joel is not playing, I’m confident I can come in and give us a lot of energy and help us win.”

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Draymond Green Comments On Joel Embiid Incident

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Draymond Green may be the last person you thought would comment on Joel Embiid’s latest incident. Embiid made waves after kicking Nic Claxton on Thursday during the Sixers-Nets game. However, Green has also been a part of his own playoff drama. The Golden State Warriors star was suspended for stomping Sacramento big man Domantas Sabonis. On the latest episode of his own podcast, Green shared his thoughts on Embiid avoiding suspension.

“I’m never in favor of seeing a player get kicked out of a game… That’s not playoffs. That’s not what we’re paying to see.” Green stated that he doesn’t like seeing players ejected during a playoff game. Of course, he may be a little biased since he was recently suspended. However, many have been on Green’s side when discussing his suspension. After Embiid’s incident, Charles Barkley felt Embiid should have been suspended before Green was. However, the league didn’t see it that way.

Draymond Green Dislikes Playoff Ejections

The Sixers also had to deal with another star being involved in an incident on Thursday night. James Harden was ejected from the game for striking Royce O’Neale in a region where no man likes to get hit. The ejection of Harden even brought up more questions about the league’s recent officiating. Many are of the belief that Embiid’s actions were even worse than Harden’s. However, it was Harden on the receiving end of the ejection. But the ejection didn’t slow down the Sixers in Game 3. Sixers star Tyrese Maxey led the way for Philly to help the team earn a 3-0 series lead.

Green will return to the Warriors for game 4 after serving his one-game suspension. The Warriors also took care of business without Green on Thursday night. The results are leading some to believe that maybe Green’s time with the Warriors could be on borrowed time. Do you agree with Draymond Green that players shouldn’t be ejected from playoff games? If players shouldn’t get ejected, then what should the punishment be? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

NBA Taking No Further Action On Joel Embiid

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Joel Embiid avoided an ejection on Thursday for his actions against Nic Claxton. Embiid kicked the Nets, big man, after Claxton stood over Embiid in celebration. The move by the officials to not eject Embiid from the game had fans in a frenzy on social media. Now it seems that the NBA didn’t see a big issue with Embiid’s actions either. According to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the NBA will not be punishing Embiid for the kick. A move that has surprised a lot of people.

Included in the statement, the NBA will also not be taking further action on Embidd’s teammate James Harden either. Harden was ejected for hitting Royce O’Neale in a rather delicate region of the body. The officials made a few surprising calls during the Sixers-Nets game. Including ejecting Nic Claxton for celebrating a dunk. Game 3 of the series is only going to be remembered for calls on the court. Instead of Tyrese Maxey leading the Sixers to a 3-0 series lead.

Joel Embiid Avoids Punishment

After the game, the NBA on TNT crew discussed the actions of Embiid. Charles Barkley stated that what Embiid did should be considered a worse act than what Draymond Green did to Domantas Sabonis. With Green’s latest incident and the punishment the league handed down, it felt like Embiid would be next. But now Embiid has been cleared of any further punishment for the incident. The news will surely be discussed during the pre-game of the games this evening.

Now the Sixers will move on after avoiding a suspension for their biggest superstar. However, Embiid suffered an injury on Thursday night. Embiid came up slow after hitting the deck in Game 3. The fall forced Embiid to step out of the game for a moment before turning rather quickly. However, the potential MVP was noticeably bothered by the injury for the rest of the game. If Joel Embiid’s injury causes the star to miss time, can the Sixers still take care of business? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

Shannon Sharpe On Joel Embiid’s Actions

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Shannon Sharpe made Joel Embiid’s actions on Thursday night a topic of discussion on Friday. During Friday’s edition of Undisputed, Sharpe shared his thoughts on Embiid’s now-infamous kick. The Sixers big man kicked Nic Claxton of the Brooklyn Nets. Causing everyone in the NBA community to question why Embiid would do something like this. Embiid was not ejected from the game. Which has already drawn irritation from those in the Golden State Warriors fanbase.

However, Sharpe didn’t mince his words when discussing Embiid’s actions. “It was unnecessary, excessive, and he deserved a flagrant 2! He kicked a guy!” Indeed many have felt like the kick should have drawn Embiid’s ejection from the game. Instead, the officials later ejected James Harden from the game for a less than-abusive move than Emmbiid. Then later ejected Claxton for just staring down Embiid after a great play. Check out Sharpe’s full comments in the video below.

Shannon Sharpe Expects Punishment For Embiid

If anything, the biggest story of this game may be the officiating. The decision-making by the officials in the three most significant situations of the game felt way off. However, Sharpe still believes the NBA could take action with Embiid. Draymond Green was suspended for a much similar action when he stomped Kings big Domantas Sabonis. Many, including Charles Barkley, believe that Embiid’s actions were worse than Green’s. No matter the case, it feels as if the incident with Embiid is far from over. But, there has yet to be a comment made from the NBA on his actions.

Not only is Embiid now embroiled in this incident, but the Philly big man also suffered an injury in Thursday night’s game. Embiid had to leave the game but later returned with a back injury. After his return, it was visibly noticeable that the potential NBA MVP was in a lot of pain. So, do you agree with Shannon Sharpe on Embiid’s actions being unnecessary? Do you believe the NBA will suspend Embiid for Game 4? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

Twitter Reacts To Joel Embiid Kicking Nic Claxton

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Joel Embiid has now entered the debate of physical play in the post-season. On Thursday night, Embiid kicked Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton after Claxton decided to stand over the Philly big man. With kicking becoming a massive topic of discussion this week in the NBA, Embiid may regret taking part in the action. Although an Embiid-Draymond vs. Young Bucks match for the ownership of the super kick would be pretty epic. However, the officials quickly took control of the game.

Embiid was not tossed from the game. But something tells me that this situation is far from over. Draymond Green has been suspended for Game 3 of the Warriors and Kings. Stemming from his stomping incident with Domantas Sabonis. A kick and a stomp are different. Maybe Green will change Seth Rollins instead of challenging the Young Bucks. However, Embiid not being ejected for his actions will more than likely have everyone in Golden State on edge. Check out some of Twitter’s best reactions below.

Joel Embiid Not Ejected For Kick

More than likely, NBA will hear some type of punishment on Friday. It took over 24 hours to announce they had suspended Green without pay. However, Embiid not being tossed from Game 3 does seem to bring up a double standard. In Green’s case, one could make the argument that the stomp was a reaction. Even though a terrible reaction, it could still be considered that. However, Embiid’s action was brought on by a taunt. Something that should’ve never brought that kind of reaction.

Not only is Embiid going to be dealing with the kick. The Sixers big man has gone to the locker room in the middle of the game due to injury. He has since returned. Although he doesn’t look to be 100%. Twitter is still attempting to digest the actions made by Embiid. Where do you stand on the kick? Should Joel Embiid have been ejected for the kick? What will this mean for Green’s suspension? Let us know your thoughts on the matter in the comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.

Kevin Durant’s Hot Take On MVP Award

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Kevin Durant knows how it feels to be called the greatest player in the league. The Phoenix Suns star once held that honor as an MVP award winner. Now Durant is speaking on where the award currently sits in this day and age. In a recent episode of the Boardroom, Durant expressed concern about the prestigious award. This season, the MVP honor will be decided between former winners Giannis and Jokic, as well as a new frontrunner in, Joel Embiid.

In the discussion, Durant mentioned that the mystique of the award is gone. “It still matters … [but] the mystique of being an MVP is not what it once was.” The former MVP talked about how nothing is kept secret anymore. In any field or any sports league, everyone knows everything that is going on. However, just because the magic Durant once felt for the award is gone doesn’t mean it isn’t essential. Durant mentions that you still have to put in the work to be known as the best player in the game.

Kevin Durant Misses Magic Of MVP Award

Durant’s statement on the MVP discussion being talked about too much, rings true. Because the final month of the regular season was exhausting as the media discussed their picks for the award. Every day seemed like a new take was catching headlines on the award. However, this is the world we live in now. Everyone can have an answer at the touch of their fingertips. So, not knowing the winner of the award immediately could start impatient fans continuing to look for the answer.

The MVP award winner will soon be announced. However, something tells me that the media and fans will already be discussing the favorites for next year’s winner. We live in a fast-paced world that demands answers immediately. But sometimes, the wait is what makes the award announcement that much sweeter. That is one of the moments I believe Kevin Durant was speaking on when he mentioned the mystique of the award. So, do you agree with Durant’s comments on the MVP award? Drop your thoughts in our comment section. For the latest NBA news, keep it right here with HNHH.