Make no mistake, sources close to Simmons continue to insist that he’ll sit out the entire season if a deal isn’t done by the deadline. To DA’s point, that means the postseason would be unnecessarily brutal on Embiid when it comes to the load he’s asked to carry. There is, not surprisingly, serious skepticism from Simmons’ side as to the authenticity of Embiid’s messaging. “Joel is Daryl, and Daryl is Joel,” as one source put it.
Source: Sam Amick, David Aldridge, John Hollinger @ The Athletic
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid has certainly grown over the last few years, a former assistant coach in Philadelphia has been impressed with his growth #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/01/18/for… via @SixersWire – 9:46 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Report: Klutch official says not a chance Ben Simmons plays for 76ers after trade deadline nba.nbcsports.com/2022/01/18/rep… – 6:58 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers swingman Matisse Thybulle (right shoulder sprain), SF Danny Green (right hip pain), G Shake Milton (back contusion), PG Ben Simmons (personal reasons), PF Paul Reed (G-League) and G Jaden Springer (G-League) will miss tomorrow’s game vs. #OrlandoMagic – 4:59 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#DidYouKnowFlow: #Sixers center Joel Embiid is fifth in the #NBA in scoring (27.3 points per game) and 10th in rebounding (10.5). pic.twitter.com/RDmQuiBTJz – 3:06 PM
Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
I wonder how much we’d marvel at what Joel Embiid has done in the past year and a half if Nikola Jokic didn’t exist. – 2:24 PM
Mark Medina @MarkG_Medina
NBA Mailbag: What’s next for Ben Simmons and Kyrie Irving? https://t.co/7vCrneTW0Z pic.twitter.com/Rp57u66Xnh – 12:25 PM
Michael Grange @michaelgrange
Random, but in his last 14 games Joel Embiid has a TS% of .645 on 38 % usage, with 2:1 assist to TO ratio. Those three things can’t have happened all that often, I’m thinking. It’s the ‘what would happen if Shaq could hit free throws’ question, resolved. – 10:21 AM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
Everyone saw the dunk by Kuzma on Embiid … but how about this business decision that happened the next quarter? pic.twitter.com/ymjhbzxU7z – 7:26 AM
Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
“I owed him, actually.”
Kyle Kuzma said his poster dunk on Joel Embiid in the Wizards’ win over the Sixers was essentially payback for a play earlier in his career. nbcsports.com/washington/wiz… – 11:01 PM
Kevin Chouinard @KLChouinard
In the span of a month:
1) Onyeka Okongwu came back from a long-term injury absence.
2) Played a great game in a Hawks’ win guarding Joel Embiid.
3) Got COVID and came back saying, “COVID messed me up.”
4)Played a great game in a Hawks’ win guarding Giannis Antetokounmpo. – 9:13 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
as someone who vehemently remembers the Rockets/Thunder series from the bubble i still cannot believe how far Lu Dort’s three-point jumper has come. from “treat him like Ben Simmons out there” to “that’s a layup for him” in legit 1.5 years. – 8:54 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
76ers’ Ben Simmons willing to sit out entire season if not traded by Feb. 10 deadline, per report
cbssports.com/nba/news/76ers… – 5:32 PM
Quinton Mayo @RealQuintonMayo
Kyle Kuzma on his poster dunk over Joel Embiid:
“I’m half-white, so I didn’t get up that high.” pic.twitter.com/SXGH26LcdD – 5:11 PM
Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
Kyle Kuzma showing some, uh, humility after his dunk on Joel Embiid 😂: “It wasn’t that spectacular. I’m half-white, so I didn’t get up that high.” – 5:10 PM
Ava Wallace @avarwallace
Kyle Kuzma on his dunk on Embiid, joking (joking?): “He said if I did that again he would punch me in the face.” – 5:02 PM
Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
Kyle Kuzma said Joel Embiid came up to him after the poster dunk and joked if he did it again he would punch him in the face. – 5:02 PM
Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
Acting head coach Joe Blair said he went with Thomas Bryant early against Joel Embiid because Montrezl Harrell suggested it. Harrell thought Bryant would be a good match-up, even though it affected his own minutes. Both guys played well. – 4:57 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Kyle Kuzma 18th double-double of the season, a career-high.
15 PTS
16 REB
He has more double-doubles than KAT, Embiid, Luka, Tatum, KD and LeBron this season. pic.twitter.com/TiDCyJvoVi – 4:27 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Embiid has a game-high 32 points in 117-98 loss. – 4:26 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Sixers get drilled in Washington, 117-98. They are 25-18.
Perhaps tired playing 3 in 4, no energy. Perimeter defense without Thybulle/Green was porous. Harris/Curry really struggled, which has been a theme for Harris.
Embiid did get his 30. Sixers next 11 of 14 are at home. – 4:23 PM
Josh Robbins @JoshuaBRobbins
Final: Wizards 117, Sixers 98
Beal: 13 pts., 5 rebs., 6 assts.
Harrell: 18 pts., 7 rebs., 1 asst.
Bryant 15 pts., 5 rebs., 1 asst.
Kuzma: 15 pts., 16 rebs., 4 assts.
Embiid: 32 pts., 8 rebs., 1 asst.
Joseph Blair: 1-0 as Wizards’ acting head coach – 4:23 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
Another excellent performance by Kyle Kuzma today. The dunk on Embiid will make the highlights, but the D and passing is more notable. – 4:20 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Andre Drummond has come on for Joel Embiid. Paul Reed and Isaiah Joe are entering as well. Looks like Doc Rivers is waving the white flag. #Sixers – 4:12 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
I would get Embiid out of the game. Just a flat performance all game. – 4:10 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid re-enters with 7:25 to go and the team down 101-87 #Sixers – 4:04 PM
Josh Robbins @JoshuaBRobbins
End of the 3rd Quarter: Wizards 91, Sixers 83
Bryant: 15 pts., 5 rebs., 1 asst.
Beal: 13 pts., 5 rebs., 5 assts.
Embiid: 30 pts., 7 rebs., 1 asst. – 3:52 PM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Joel Embiid’s got 30 points through three quarters. Tyrese Maxey’s the team’s No. 2 scorer with 13 points.
Embiid is on track to lead the team in scoring for a 14th straight game. – 3:51 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Tyrese Maxey and Isaiah Joe with a burst to end the 3rd and Philly is within 91-83 after 3. Joel Embiid has 30 points for his 11th straight road game with at least 30. #Sixers – 3:51 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers 3d-quarter shooting: Embiid 5-6, Curry 1-2, Korkmaz 0-4, Brown 0-2. #Sixers trail 84-71 – 3:43 PM
Tony Mejia @MejiaDinero
The 76ers are absolutely trash today. They’re getting beat to every loose ball, Charlie Brown Jr. is getting footballs pulled out from under him and only Joel Embiid has a rhythm. Can we please get a rally? Thanks. – 3:42 PM
Lauren Rosen @LaurenMRosen
Joel Embiid has now scored 30-plus in 11 consecutive road games, extending his franchise record.
Embiid today thus far: 30 PTS / 7 REB – 3:42 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Embiid now up to 30 points, but not much else going right for the Sixers today. Wizards lead 82-71 late in the third. – 3:41 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Embiid with 9 of the #Sixers’ 11 third-quarter points. He’s shooting 3-4 and is 2-2 from the foul line. His teammates are 1-8 from the field. – 3:38 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Joel Embiid was nominated for Eastern Conference Player of the Week. – 3:35 PM
Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
This time Joel Embiid makes the business decision not to contest Kyle Kuzma’s drive and dunk 😂 – 3:33 PM
Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
The Wizards lead the Sixers 61-55 at halftime. Beal has 12 pts, Embiid has 16. Wizards’ bench has a 28-13 advantage so far over the Sixers’. – 3:08 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Seth Curry with a couple of buckets and Philly is within 61-55 at the half despite some poor moments. Joel Embiid has 16 to lead the way. #Sixers – 3:08 PM
The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
KUZ COMIN’ THROUGH.
Kuzma throws it down over Embiid 😤
pic.twitter.com/DEcqd5CoV3 – 3:08 PM
Ava Wallace @avarwallace
Halftime: Wizards 61, Sixers 55
Beal: 12p 3r 3a
Bryant: 9p
Kuzma: 7p 9r
*Avdija, Bertans, Holiday DNP so far.
Embiid: 16p 6r – 3:08 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Halftime: Wizards 61, Sixers 55. Philly made a tiny push at the end of the second, but this has been in the 7-10-point range for most of the game. Embiid has 16 points (4-of-11 from the floor, 7-of-8 from FT line). – 3:07 PM
Josh Robbins @JoshuaBRobbins
Halftime: Wizards 61, Sixers 55
Beal 12 pts., 3 rebs., 3 assts.
Kuzma: 7 pts., 9 rebs., 2 assts.
Embiid: 16 pts., 6 rebs., 1 asst. – 3:07 PM
Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
Kyle Kuzma put Joel Embiid through the Processor pic.twitter.com/j4glAZjLEx – 3:02 PM
Quinton Mayo @RealQuintonMayo
KYLE ALEXANDER KUZMA JUST POSTERIZED JOEL EMBIID
pic.twitter.com/K8P65i9nHq – 3:01 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Kuz on *Embiid*. oh dear. pic.twitter.com/bthwKIvHSU – 2:59 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
hoo boy, not too many guys get one over on Embiid like that, Kuzma got him good – 2:58 PM
Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
WHOA Kyle Kuzma just dunked alllllll over Embiid. Good grief. – 2:57 PM
Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
Kyle Kuzma on Joel Embiid’s head WOW – 2:57 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Sixers gave up 38 to Washington in the first quarter, trail by nine. Gotta tighten that up but like it seems like every Embiid post-up is gonna lead to good things against this team. – 2:41 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Wizards 38, Sixers 29 at the end of the first after Bryant drills the jumper at the buzzer. Sixers started the game 5-of-15 from the floor. Embiid has 11 points on 7-of-8 from the FT line. Wizards are shooting 62.5 percent from the floor. – 2:40 PM
Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
Wizards lead the Sixers 38-29 after one, as Thomas Bryant hits a buzzer-beater midrange J. Beal and Embiid each have 11 pts. Zero turnovers for the Wizards. – 2:39 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Tough shot from Thomas Bryant. He knocks it down at the buzzer and the Wizards have a 38-29 lead after 1 quarter. Joel Embiid has 11 points to lead the way. #Sixers – 2:39 PM
Quinton Mayo @RealQuintonMayo
Joel Embiid has attempted eight free throws in the first quarter.
The Wizards have attempted two. – 2:35 PM
Quinton Mayo @RealQuintonMayo
Thomas Bryant picks up his first foul in 21 seconds guarding Joel Embiid. – 2:29 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
And now Embiid draws a foul on Bryant. Wizards already have five team fouls. Embiid has already taken six free throws, making five. – 2:28 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid drew 3 fouls on Daniel Gafford and he now has drawn a foul on Thomas Bryant. Wizards might run out of big men if this keeps up. #Sixers – 2:28 PM
David Thorpe @coachthorpe
That reversal on the Embiid charge/block is the worst reversal of a call I’ve ever seen. I thought Embiid might end up with a flagrant foul, instead he got 2 free throws. I need to hear an explanation. – 2:26 PM
Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
Surprised that the refs overturn that. Sure, Daniel Gafford was not set, but also took a elbow/forearm from Joel Embiid right below the neck. Not sure how that is clear and obvious.
Not sure if Joseph Blair is aware he is keeping Daniel Gafford in the game with 2 fouls. – 2:26 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Embiid avoids an early foul call after the officials overturn that one. Perhaps more importantly, that’s already Gafford’s second foul. – 2:25 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
I didn’t even notice initially, but Doc Rivers is challenging that Joel Embiid offensive foul – 2:24 PM
Neil Dalal @NeilDalal96
Daniel Gafford hangs in to draw a charge on Joel Embiid that could have easily gona the other way for his second personal
Doc Rivers with the earliest challenge I have ever seen less than 5 minutes into the game – 2:22 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid has just walked out of the tunnel and he received a loud ovation. It’s gonna be Philly heavy here. #Sixers – 2:02 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
If keeping Harden in BK this summer is contingent on BK finding a Kyrie Irving resolution (full time player or trade) then a “look take Ben Simmons for Harden if James wants to leave or take him for Kyrie if James stays” isn’t the worst plan for both teams to book mark is it? – 1:57 PM
Quinton Mayo @RealQuintonMayo
If the Wizards don’t double Embiid from the tip I’m not watching.
He’s playing MVP basketball right now. Don’t try and be cute about it. Force the ball out of his hands. – 1:47 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Tyrese Maxey
Seth Curry
Furkan Korkmaz
Tobias Harris
Joel Embiid
The starting lineup today #Sixers – 1:37 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
As the Sixers go for their 11th win in 13 games this afternoon at Washington … just making sure you didn’t miss the public backing Daryl Morey received over the weekend on his patient Ben Simmons trade approach from a certain Joel Embiid.
Monday column: marcstein.substack.com/p/trade-talk-o… – 1:08 PM
Henry Abbott @TrueHoop
Joel Embiid is on another level in 2022. @David Thorpe digs into the video. https://t.co/l9sXcBAFcY Sixers at Wizards 2pm ET. pic.twitter.com/ApyWmDrY9u – 1:02 PM
Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
The Wizards are hosting Joel Embiid and the Sixers in a matinee. Here’s video of Deni Avdija and Daniel Gafford warming up pregame, plus my 3 keys w/ help from special guest @KelynSoong.
Tip-off is at 2 pm on @NBCSWashington. pic.twitter.com/tou0lDBunr – 1:01 PM
Chad Ford @chadfordinsider
ICYMI Last Week
The trade deadline is Feb. 10.
Here’s 4 potential trades for Ben Simmons, Damian Lillard, Myles Turner & Christian Wood
That give the Sixers, Blazers, Magic, Hawks, Knicks, Rockets, Pacers and Hornets new hope.
nbabigboard.com/p/four-nba-tra… – 12:23 PM
NBA Math @NBA_Math
If our RPR MVP Predictor determined East All-Stars…
Starters
G: Trae Young
G: James Harden
F: Giannis Antetokounmpo
F: Kevin Durant
F: Joel Embiid
Reserves
G: Fred VanVleet
G: DeMar DeRozan
F: Jarrett Allen
F: Jimmy Butler
F: Jayson Tatum
WC: Zach LaVine
WC: Domantas Sabonis pic.twitter.com/JdhZVvQmeo – 10:29 AM
David Thorpe @coachthorpe
Almost got lucky on my third try. Now it’s time to break down Joel Embiid’s recent play. And a few other scorers as well. Wordle 212 4/6
⬜🟨⬜🟨⬜
🟨🟨⬜🟨🟨
🟩⬜🟩🟩🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – 7:12 AM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Matisse Thybulle (shoulder), Danny Green (hip) and Shake Milton (back) are all listed as OUT for tomorrow’s Sixers game at Washington. Joel Embiid is not on the report after being listed as questionable yesterday due to elbow soreness before playing. – 5:26 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
“What has gotten lost in the shuffle of what is going on in Philly is how truly dominant and skilled Joel Embiid is”
@adaniels33 continues to be impressed with how good @Joel Embiid is at his size #EmbiidOne pic.twitter.com/adnH0gpVvK – 5:22 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
I would look long and hard at Embiid’s MVP odds when the books put them back up later today. Philly is only 2.5 games out of the No. 1 seed in the East without Simmons and the voters are gonna love a narrative like that. Really interesting value there. – 11:17 AM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
It wasn’t just Philly who had their respect for Joel Embiid, the Heat and Jimmy Butler gave their respect to the the big fella #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/01/16/jim… via @SixersWire – 11:11 AM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Tobias Harris was big in the 1st half to keep the team in the game while Joel Embiid was waiting to get going. Doc Rivers praised him for his work. #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/01/16/doc… via @SixersWire – 11:10 AM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid had himself a big game in South Beach. He received some praise for his play. #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2022/01/15/six… via @SixersWire – 11:07 AM
NBA Math @NBA_Math
RPR MVP Predictor, determined by Rolling Player Ratings and team success:
1. Nikola Jokic: 15.45
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 15.03
3. LeBron James: 14.6
4. Kevin Durant: 14.59
5. Stephen Curry: 13.91
6. Joel Embiid: 13.84
7. Trae Young: 13.3
8. James Harden: 13.1 pic.twitter.com/vQD6PN0C7Z – 11:05 AM
JD Shaw @JShawNBA
NBA’s best from January 15:
– J. Embiid: 32 pts, 12 reb, +16
– A. Simons: 31 pts, 11 ast, 2 stl
– P. Siakam: 30 pts, 10 reb, 10 ast
– B. Hyland: 27 pts, 10 reb, +34
– J. Harden: 27 pts, 8 reb, 15 ast
– D. Garland: 27 pts, 5 reb, 18 ast
– A. Dosunmu: 21 pts, 10 ast, 9-10 fg – 10:39 AM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
Joel Embiid recorded his 10th straight 30-point game on the road in last night’s win over the Heat, the longest such streak in @Philadelphia 76ers history.
The last seven of those games have been wins, matching Elgin Baylor and Karl Malone for the longest such streak in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/8Ns2esljcx – 10:01 AM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Five Degrees of Heat from Saturday night’s 109-98 loss to the 76ers: sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-h…
1. Joel Embiid too much at finish.
2. Jimmy Butler off with shot, on with passes
3. This time Gabe Vincent odd man out.
4. Another Duncan Robinson struggle.
5. Yurtseven does his part. – 8:59 AM