Joel Embiid: 'I don't care being in the MVP race'
Despite knowing that sitting out games could hinder his MVP chances, Embiid is in total agreement with his coach. “It’s all about the playoffs,” the MVP frontrunner said. “Being in the MVP race, I told you, I don’t care. If I win, good. If I don’t, it’s whatever. That’s not where my focus is.” As of Saturday, Embiid was leading the league in scoring at 33.2 points per game. He also ranked seventh (10.8) in rebounds and sixth (1.7) in blocks.
Source: Keith Pompey @ The Philadelphia Inquirer
Source: Keith Pompey @ The Philadelphia Inquirer
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Talking through a pair of losses w/ @EliotShorrParks, where this bad weekend leaves the Sixers, Embiid vs. Jokic on Monday, and more podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cla… – 1:19 PM
Talking through a pair of losses w/ @EliotShorrParks, where this bad weekend leaves the Sixers, Embiid vs. Jokic on Monday, and more podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cla… – 1:19 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
So far in March, Devin Booker trails only Joe Embiid (34.5 PPG) in scoring. In 12 games, Book’s posted:
33.4 PPG
4.8 APG
4.6 RPG
57.9 FG%
44.3 3P%
67.5 TS%
+4.3 point diff. – 1:10 PM
So far in March, Devin Booker trails only Joe Embiid (34.5 PPG) in scoring. In 12 games, Book’s posted:
33.4 PPG
4.8 APG
4.6 RPG
57.9 FG%
44.3 3P%
67.5 TS%
+4.3 point diff. – 1:10 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid didn’t exactly have a Joel Embiid type of game in Phoenix. Bismack Biyombo explained how they slowed down the MVP front runner. #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2023/03/26/sun… via @SixersWire – 12:15 PM
Joel Embiid didn’t exactly have a Joel Embiid type of game in Phoenix. Bismack Biyombo explained how they slowed down the MVP front runner. #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2023/03/26/sun… via @SixersWire – 12:15 PM
Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBP
Joel Embiid attempted 22 free throws Friday, which made me think of Al Horford, who’s attempted 21…all year.
He enters Sunday 2nd in the NBA in 3-point shooting (45.7%) and on pace to break the Celtics franchise record…but this is the tradeoff… pic.twitter.com/u3CZJxIlSm – 12:15 PM
Joel Embiid attempted 22 free throws Friday, which made me think of Al Horford, who’s attempted 21…all year.
He enters Sunday 2nd in the NBA in 3-point shooting (45.7%) and on pace to break the Celtics franchise record…but this is the tradeoff… pic.twitter.com/u3CZJxIlSm – 12:15 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
Man, what a game by Biyombo. Can probably count on your lips how many guys have blocked Embiid’s fadeaway this year, but he gets a piece here. pic.twitter.com/LphsW4Uy3v – 11:29 AM
Man, what a game by Biyombo. Can probably count on your lips how many guys have blocked Embiid’s fadeaway this year, but he gets a piece here. pic.twitter.com/LphsW4Uy3v – 11:29 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers vs. #PhoenixSuns takeaways: Joel Embiid is tired; James Harden’s absence negatively impacting bench inquirer.com/sports/76ers-s… via @phillyinquirer – 10:58 AM
#Sixers vs. #PhoenixSuns takeaways: Joel Embiid is tired; James Harden’s absence negatively impacting bench inquirer.com/sports/76ers-s… via @phillyinquirer – 10:58 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers center Joel Embiid: “It’s all about the playoffs. Being in the MVP race, I told you, I don’t care. If I win, good. If I don’t, it’s whatever. That’s not where my focus is.” inquirer.com/sixers/76ers-i… via @phillyinquirer – 10:22 AM
#Sixers center Joel Embiid: “It’s all about the playoffs. Being in the MVP race, I told you, I don’t care. If I win, good. If I don’t, it’s whatever. That’s not where my focus is.” inquirer.com/sixers/76ers-i… via @phillyinquirer – 10:22 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers vs. #Phoenix #Suns takeaways: Joel Embiid is tired; James Harden’s absence negatively impacting bench inquirer.com/sports/76ers-s… via @phillyinquirer #NBA #NBAMVP #NBAPlayoffs #PhilaUnite – 8:48 AM
#Sixers vs. #Phoenix #Suns takeaways: Joel Embiid is tired; James Harden’s absence negatively impacting bench inquirer.com/sports/76ers-s… via @phillyinquirer #NBA #NBAMVP #NBAPlayoffs #PhilaUnite – 8:48 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
For #Sixers coach Doc Rivers and Joel Embiid, it’s all about being healthy for NBA playoffs — not seedings inquirer.com/sixers/76ers-i… via @phillyinquirer – 8:47 AM
For #Sixers coach Doc Rivers and Joel Embiid, it’s all about being healthy for NBA playoffs — not seedings inquirer.com/sixers/76ers-i… via @phillyinquirer – 8:47 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
For Sixers coach Doc Rivers and Joel Embiid, it’s all about being healthy for NBA playoffs — not seedings inquirer.com/sixers/76ers-i… via @phillyinquirer – 7:39 AM
For Sixers coach Doc Rivers and Joel Embiid, it’s all about being healthy for NBA playoffs — not seedings inquirer.com/sixers/76ers-i… via @phillyinquirer – 7:39 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“Trusting your instincts.”
Bismack Biyombo on playing against Joel Embiid in finishing with 17 and 13 to go along with five blocks in #Suns win over #76ers. pic.twitter.com/WulEOfL3Pj – 1:38 AM
“Trusting your instincts.”
Bismack Biyombo on playing against Joel Embiid in finishing with 17 and 13 to go along with five blocks in #Suns win over #76ers. pic.twitter.com/WulEOfL3Pj – 1:38 AM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Monty Williams said he thought the team “held the rope” with mental stamina. Knows how Embiid can draw contact to pick up free throws and liked how the team played through it. – 12:32 AM
Monty Williams said he thought the team “held the rope” with mental stamina. Knows how Embiid can draw contact to pick up free throws and liked how the team played through it. – 12:32 AM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Weird coaching decisions (Dedmon playing in this matchup is bizarre)
Bench was absolutely horrific overall.
And I thought that was a bullshit effort from Embiid. Had some decent moments in the second half but too little, too late
phillyvoice.com/instant-observ… – 12:26 AM
Weird coaching decisions (Dedmon playing in this matchup is bizarre)
Bench was absolutely horrific overall.
And I thought that was a bullshit effort from Embiid. Had some decent moments in the second half but too little, too late
phillyvoice.com/instant-observ… – 12:26 AM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Somebody track for me how frequently the Sixers non Embiid lineups give up very very soft (but fair) continuations. – 11:46 PM
Somebody track for me how frequently the Sixers non Embiid lineups give up very very soft (but fair) continuations. – 11:46 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Embiid staying in as Biyombo heads to the bench with four fouls. Big shift here for Landale. – 11:43 PM
Embiid staying in as Biyombo heads to the bench with four fouls. Big shift here for Landale. – 11:43 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Bismack Biyombo picks up his 4th foul going over the back with 2:42 left in the 3Q. Something to keep an eye on since he’s been great against Embiid (6-16 FG) – 11:40 PM
Bismack Biyombo picks up his 4th foul going over the back with 2:42 left in the 3Q. Something to keep an eye on since he’s been great against Embiid (6-16 FG) – 11:40 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Embiid’s shot under 50% only 13 times this year in 60 games which is just a crazy number with how many jumpers he attempts. – 11:38 PM
Embiid’s shot under 50% only 13 times this year in 60 games which is just a crazy number with how many jumpers he attempts. – 11:38 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Embiid is 6-for-16. Biyombo is doing his best and more importantly making a handful of energy plays on the other end too. – 11:37 PM
Embiid is 6-for-16. Biyombo is doing his best and more importantly making a handful of energy plays on the other end too. – 11:37 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Bismack Biyombo just blocked Joel Embiid at the peak of his elbow jumper, which I had thought was physically impossible up til that moment. Bizzy’s been great tonight – 11:37 PM
Bismack Biyombo just blocked Joel Embiid at the peak of his elbow jumper, which I had thought was physically impossible up til that moment. Bizzy’s been great tonight – 11:37 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Biyombo always active.
Dunk on one end.
Block on Embiid on the other.
Has 11 and 11 boards. #Suns up 3. – 11:37 PM
Biyombo always active.
Dunk on one end.
Block on Embiid on the other.
Has 11 and 11 boards. #Suns up 3. – 11:37 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Maxey sidestep 3 again.
It’s insane. #Suns #76ers tied as I already had Embiid for a 3 on that, but it was first ruled a 2. – 11:29 PM
Maxey sidestep 3 again.
It’s insane. #Suns #76ers tied as I already had Embiid for a 3 on that, but it was first ruled a 2. – 11:29 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Embiid is lacking energy.
Could be tired. Had 46 last night at Golden State in 38 minutes. Kind of ran out out of gas at the end.
Whatever it is, Biyombo is taking advantage of it. Has 9 on 4-of-6.
Embiid 12 points on 4-of-11 .
#Suns up 64-58 with 9:57 left in 3rd. – 11:26 PM
Embiid is lacking energy.
Could be tired. Had 46 last night at Golden State in 38 minutes. Kind of ran out out of gas at the end.
Whatever it is, Biyombo is taking advantage of it. Has 9 on 4-of-6.
Embiid 12 points on 4-of-11 .
#Suns up 64-58 with 9:57 left in 3rd. – 11:26 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Final: Denver 129, Milwaukee 106.
Impressive performance by Denver to put the pedal down in the 2nd half and pull away from the Bucks, who were on 2nd night of a b2b.
Nikola Jokic finished with 31-6-11, while Giannis Antetokounmpo had 31-9-4-4.
Embiid vs. Jokic looms Monday. – 11:25 PM
Final: Denver 129, Milwaukee 106.
Impressive performance by Denver to put the pedal down in the 2nd half and pull away from the Bucks, who were on 2nd night of a b2b.
Nikola Jokic finished with 31-6-11, while Giannis Antetokounmpo had 31-9-4-4.
Embiid vs. Jokic looms Monday. – 11:25 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Halftime: Suns 58, Sixers 53. Maxey has 21 points on a blistering 8-of-10 from the floor. Embiid has manufactured 12 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists but is 4-of-12 from the floor and looks to be laboring more than last night. – 11:07 PM
Halftime: Suns 58, Sixers 53. Maxey has 21 points on a blistering 8-of-10 from the floor. Embiid has manufactured 12 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists but is 4-of-12 from the floor and looks to be laboring more than last night. – 11:07 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Maxey the only guy who has it for the Sixers right now, not bullish on this one unless Embiid gets it together in the second half. Taking forever to get into their offense, with a lot of “just throw it to somebody at the free-throw line extended” nonsense – 11:06 PM
Maxey the only guy who has it for the Sixers right now, not bullish on this one unless Embiid gets it together in the second half. Taking forever to get into their offense, with a lot of “just throw it to somebody at the free-throw line extended” nonsense – 11:06 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Great minutes from Torrey Craig to close the half. Hit back-to-back 3s and had a monster weak-side block on Embiid at the rim – 11:05 PM
Great minutes from Torrey Craig to close the half. Hit back-to-back 3s and had a monster weak-side block on Embiid at the rim – 11:05 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Credit Josh Okogie for going for that one. Credit Joel Embiid for meeting him at the top – 10:53 PM
Credit Josh Okogie for going for that one. Credit Joel Embiid for meeting him at the top – 10:53 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Tyrese Maxey is 6-of-7 from the floor. The rest of the Sixers are 6-of-20 (and three of those are from Embiid). – 10:48 PM
Tyrese Maxey is 6-of-7 from the floor. The rest of the Sixers are 6-of-20 (and three of those are from Embiid). – 10:48 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Suns 26, Sixers 24 at the end of a cluuuuunky first quarter for both teams. Both teams are shooting under 40 percent. Very much a second night of a back-to-back, with major contributors missing. Embiid with 9 points on 3-of-7 shooting. Maxey with 8. – 10:38 PM
Suns 26, Sixers 24 at the end of a cluuuuunky first quarter for both teams. Both teams are shooting under 40 percent. Very much a second night of a back-to-back, with major contributors missing. Embiid with 9 points on 3-of-7 shooting. Maxey with 8. – 10:38 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 1Q: PHX 26, PHI 24
Booker: 13 Pts, 4-7 FG
Rest of Suns: 13 Pts, 5-17 FG
Embiid: 9 Pts, 3 Reb, 3-7 FG – 10:37 PM
End of 1Q: PHX 26, PHI 24
Booker: 13 Pts, 4-7 FG
Rest of Suns: 13 Pts, 5-17 FG
Embiid: 9 Pts, 3 Reb, 3-7 FG – 10:37 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Chris Paul slapping that ball out of Joel Embiid’s hands on the break was tremendous content. Had a big smile for him as they talked afterwards too – 10:26 PM
Chris Paul slapping that ball out of Joel Embiid’s hands on the break was tremendous content. Had a big smile for him as they talked afterwards too – 10:26 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
All-time version of The Takeback. CP3 SPRINTED back to get Embiid and strip him. – 10:26 PM
All-time version of The Takeback. CP3 SPRINTED back to get Embiid and strip him. – 10:26 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Thought we’d see a heavy dose of Embiid going at Biyombo early, but instead it’s been another hot start for Maxey. He’s is 2-for-2 from deep and also got free for a driving layup in the first four minutes. – 10:16 PM
Thought we’d see a heavy dose of Embiid going at Biyombo early, but instead it’s been another hot start for Maxey. He’s is 2-for-2 from deep and also got free for a driving layup in the first four minutes. – 10:16 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Suns update: Kevin Durant (ankle), Deandre Ayton (hip) out; 76ers big Joel Embiid (calf) available, James Harden (Achilles) out. #Suns #76ers azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 10:01 PM
Suns update: Kevin Durant (ankle), Deandre Ayton (hip) out; 76ers big Joel Embiid (calf) available, James Harden (Achilles) out. #Suns #76ers azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 10:01 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#76ers injury update:
Joel Embiid (calf) and Jalen McDaniels (hip) IN.
James Harden (Achilles) and Danuel House Jr. (shoulder) OUT. – 9:35 PM
#76ers injury update:
Joel Embiid (calf) and Jalen McDaniels (hip) IN.
James Harden (Achilles) and Danuel House Jr. (shoulder) OUT. – 9:35 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Injury update for the @Philadelphia 76ers:
Joel Embiid and Jalen McDaniels (both questionable pregame) will play.
James Harden and Danuel House Jr. are out. – 9:34 PM
Injury update for the @Philadelphia 76ers:
Joel Embiid and Jalen McDaniels (both questionable pregame) will play.
James Harden and Danuel House Jr. are out. – 9:34 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Starters
Suns: Paul, Booker, Okogie, Craig, Biyombo
76ers: Maxey, Melton, Harris, Tucker, Embiid – 9:33 PM
Starters
Suns: Paul, Booker, Okogie, Craig, Biyombo
76ers: Maxey, Melton, Harris, Tucker, Embiid – 9:33 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Joel Embiid and Jalen McDaniels will play tonight after all. No James Harden or Danuel House Jr. for the Sixers – 9:33 PM
Joel Embiid and Jalen McDaniels will play tonight after all. No James Harden or Danuel House Jr. for the Sixers – 9:33 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
James Harden is OUT tonight. Embiid, House and McDaniels are still questionable. – 8:36 PM
James Harden is OUT tonight. Embiid, House and McDaniels are still questionable. – 8:36 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
James Harden is out for tonight. Joel Embiid, Danuel House Jr. and Jalen McDaniels are still questionable – 8:35 PM
James Harden is out for tonight. Joel Embiid, Danuel House Jr. and Jalen McDaniels are still questionable – 8:35 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Suns update: Durant, Ayton out; 76ers duo Embiid, Harden questionable (w/videos) #Suns #76ers azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 6:59 PM
Suns update: Durant, Ayton out; 76ers duo Embiid, Harden questionable (w/videos) #Suns #76ers azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral – 6:59 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Draymond Green calls Joel Embiid ‘the hardest guy to guard in the league’ after 46-point outburst
cbssports.com/nba/news/draym… – 5:11 PM
Draymond Green calls Joel Embiid ‘the hardest guy to guard in the league’ after 46-point outburst
cbssports.com/nba/news/draym… – 5:11 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns #76ers injury report:
Deandre Ayton (hip) and Kevin Durant (ankle) OUT.
Joel Embiid (calf), James Harden (Achilles), Danuel House Jr. (shoulder) and Jalen McDaniels (hip) QUESTIONABLE. pic.twitter.com/OlmMR84eiy – 3:58 PM
#Suns #76ers injury report:
Deandre Ayton (hip) and Kevin Durant (ankle) OUT.
Joel Embiid (calf), James Harden (Achilles), Danuel House Jr. (shoulder) and Jalen McDaniels (hip) QUESTIONABLE. pic.twitter.com/OlmMR84eiy – 3:58 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
76ers are listing Joel Embiid, James Harden, Danuel House Jr. and Jalen McDaniels as questionable for tonight’s game against the Suns. Philly played last night against the Warriors.
Same injury report for the Suns. No Deandre Ayton or Kevin Durant. – 3:48 PM
76ers are listing Joel Embiid, James Harden, Danuel House Jr. and Jalen McDaniels as questionable for tonight’s game against the Suns. Philly played last night against the Warriors.
Same injury report for the Suns. No Deandre Ayton or Kevin Durant. – 3:48 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Sixers injury report: Joel Embiid (right calf tightness), James Harden (left Achilles soreness), Danuel House Jr (right shoulder soreness) and Jalen McDaniels (right hip soreness) are all questionable for tonight’s game against the Suns. – 3:37 PM
Sixers injury report: Joel Embiid (right calf tightness), James Harden (left Achilles soreness), Danuel House Jr (right shoulder soreness) and Jalen McDaniels (right hip soreness) are all questionable for tonight’s game against the Suns. – 3:37 PM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
For PHI-PHX tonight: Embiid, Harden, House, McDaniels all listed as questionable. – 3:36 PM
For PHI-PHX tonight: Embiid, Harden, House, McDaniels all listed as questionable. – 3:36 PM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
The Sixers listed Joel Embiid, James Harden, and Danuel House Jr., and Jalen McDaniels as questionable for tonight’s game. – 3:34 PM
The Sixers listed Joel Embiid, James Harden, and Danuel House Jr., and Jalen McDaniels as questionable for tonight’s game. – 3:34 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Joel Embiid (calf tightness), James Harden (Achilles soreness), Jalen McDaniels (hip bruise) and Danuel House Jr. (shoulder soreness) are all listed as questionable to play in Saturday’s game at Phoenix. – 3:33 PM
Joel Embiid (calf tightness), James Harden (Achilles soreness), Jalen McDaniels (hip bruise) and Danuel House Jr. (shoulder soreness) are all listed as questionable to play in Saturday’s game at Phoenix. – 3:33 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Joel Embiid and James Harden are both listed as questionable for tonight’s road game against the Suns.
Jalen McDaniels and Danuel House Jr. remain questionable, too. – 3:31 PM
Joel Embiid and James Harden are both listed as questionable for tonight’s road game against the Suns.
Jalen McDaniels and Danuel House Jr. remain questionable, too. – 3:31 PM
Jason Dumas @JDumasReports
Draymond Green told me on Friday night that Joel Embiid has started to create some separation in the MVP race pic.twitter.com/gsqURhAD8G – 3:08 PM
Draymond Green told me on Friday night that Joel Embiid has started to create some separation in the MVP race pic.twitter.com/gsqURhAD8G – 3:08 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Most 40-point games by a center over the last 5 seasons:
37 — Embiid
36 — Everyone else combined pic.twitter.com/uBplk1lDof – 2:30 PM
Most 40-point games by a center over the last 5 seasons:
37 — Embiid
36 — Everyone else combined pic.twitter.com/uBplk1lDof – 2:30 PM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
Draymond Green: “I wanna tell y’all Joel (Embiid) is the hardest guy to guard in the league.” pic.twitter.com/WFBtGLKxy9 – 1:06 PM
Draymond Green: “I wanna tell y’all Joel (Embiid) is the hardest guy to guard in the league.” pic.twitter.com/WFBtGLKxy9 – 1:06 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
The NBA is nearing the end of the MVP battle!
@BGeltzNBA and @HowardBeck both have the @sixers big man Joel Embiid at the top of their MVP Ladders. pic.twitter.com/idzvyImUR6 – 12:14 PM
The NBA is nearing the end of the MVP battle!
@BGeltzNBA and @HowardBeck both have the @sixers big man Joel Embiid at the top of their MVP Ladders. pic.twitter.com/idzvyImUR6 – 12:14 PM
More on this storyline
Harden is sidelined, even though coach Doc Rivers said the point guard would have played had they been playoff games. “Yeah, they’re not 100%,” Rivers said of resting key players during a defining stretch. “It’s not worth the risk. This is not even rocket science. … If it was a playoff game, everyone plays, you know? So, yeah, this is not difficult. This is not us sitting in a room flipping a coin. These are very easy decisions for us.” -via The Philadelphia Inquirer / March 26, 2023
Philadelphia: Joel Embiid (right calf tightness) has been downgraded to questionable for Saturday’s game against Phoenix. James Harden (left achilles soreness), Jalen McDaniels (right hip soreness) and Danuel House (right shoulder soreness) are also questionable. -via HoopsHype / March 25, 2023
Embiid was listed as questionable to play with calf tightness but didn’t look hampered one bit. He demolished whatever defense the Warriors threw at him and flirted with a triple-double on his way to an efficient 46 points. After the game, he said that his calf is doing fine and that his highest priority is being healthy for the postseason. “It’s okay, a little sore but whatever. Got to keep managing it to see how it feels tomorrow and the next few days,” Joel Embiid said to reporters after the game. “It’s all about making sure I’m healthy for playoffs, so whatever that gets me there healthy, that’s what we are going to do.” -via Clutch Points / March 25, 2023