Report: 76ers' James Harden Targeting Return from Injury vs. Rockets on Monday
Nov 30, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 2: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Washington Wizards on November 2, 2022 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden is "targeting" a return from his foot injury during the team's upcoming three-game road trip, which begins Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic.
Monday's game against the Houston Rockets could be his "likely" return date.
Harden has averaged 22.0 points, 10.0 assists and 7.0 rebounds through nine games for the 76ers. The 10-time All-Star, three-time scoring champion and 2017-18 NBA MVP is in his 14th NBA season and second with Philadelphia.
Harden suffered a right foot tendon strain Nov. 2 and was expected to miss up to a month, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia provided more context on the injury one day after Harden briefly sat during his team's 121-111 loss to the Washington Wizards.
James Harden has a right foot tendon strain and is expected to miss a month, source confirms @wojespn.
After heading back to the locker room for a while, Harden returned in the fourth quarter last night vs. the Wizards and played the final 7:15. He was limping postgame.
After nearly a month away, Harden is preparing his return to the 12-9 76ers.
With Tyrese Maxey also out with a foot injury, Harden should bring Philadelphia some much-needed scoring depth behind Joel Embiid as the squad tries to climb back up the Eastern Conference standings.
Joel Embiid's Performance Praised After Shorthanded 76ers' Loss to Timberwolves
Nov 20, 2022
Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid, left, drives to the basket against Minnesota Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Despite missing James Harden, Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris because of injury, the Philadelphia 76ers nearly beat the Minnesota Timberwolves before falling at home, 112-109 on Saturday.
The 76ers were in this one because of center Joel Embiid, who continues his torrid pace. Last year's NBA MVP runner-up collected 32 points, nine rebounds, six assists and three steals. He notably went 18-of-20 from the free-throw line as well.
Minnesota led this game by as many as 20 points and held a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter, but Embiid and Shake Milton (27 points on the night) combined to score the next 12 for Philly to cut the lead to 105-102. The last bucket in that run consisted of an impeccable Embiidd effort on both ends.
Embiid's performance was nothing short of exceptional on a night where he appeared to have suffered a significant injury involving teammate Georges Niang.
Embiid walked to the bench under his own power after getting taken out by Georges Niang on his way to the ground. Grabbed his left ankle, one that he was rubbing a bit earlier tonight as it was. Gotta simply get out of this game with no injuries at this point, but gutsy 2nd half.
But he stayed in the game to nearly will Philly to the win.
After the 12-0 run, the Timberwolves scored the next five before the 76ers rolled off a 7-0 run to slash the deficit to 110-109. However, Minnesota held on after the 76ers came up empty on their next two possessions.
Despite the loss, Embiid was the best player on the floor, which has been the case for a while now.
Philadelphia will return to the court Tuesday at home against the Brooklyn Nets.
76ers' Tyrese Maxey Won't Return vs. Bucks with Foot Injury; Will Undergo MRI
Nov 19, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 18: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 18, 2022 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers star Tyrese Maxey was ruled out of Friday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Wells Fargo Center with a left foot injury.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the X-rays on Maxey's foot were negative, and he is expected to undergo an MRI on Saturday. He notched 24 points, four rebounds and five assists in 21 minutes before exiting.
Maxey appeared to suffer the injury while driving to the basket and stepping on Jevon Carter's foot in the first half. He was fouled while driving to the hoop and shot his two free throws before limping off the court and to the locker room.
Maxey is in the midst of an impressive season. He entered Friday's game averaging 22.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 14 games, all starts, while shooting 44.8 percent from the floor and 40.8 percent from deep.
The 2020 first-round pick has never missed a significant amount of time because of injury. He appeared in 61 games as a rookie during the 2020-21 season and played in 75 games (74 starts) during the 2021-22 campaign.
Losing Maxey would be a tough blow for the Sixers, who are already down two starters in James Harden (foot) and Tobias Harris (hip).
The Sixers entered Friday's game against Milwaukee ninth in the Eastern Conference with a 7-7 record and have thus far failed to meet expectations after entering the season projected to be one of the top teams in the NBA.
76ers Rumors: Tobias Harris' Name Mentioned in Trade Talks During Calls with Teams
Nov 18, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 7: Tobias Harris #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on November 7, 2022 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
If the Philadelphia 76ers are going to make a major trade during the season, it will likely result in Tobias Harris being moved.
Per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Harris' name has come up in early talks Sixers officials have had with other teams as they start looking ahead to Dec. 15, when free agents who signed contracts during the offseason can be traded.
Harris' name has frequently popped up in trade discussions, but his contract makes it difficult for the 76ers to find an appropriate deal.
Prior to the trade deadline last season, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported the Sixers were having discussions with the Oklahoma City Thunder involving Harris.
It doesn't sound like those talks were all that serious, with one person close to the 76ers telling Pompey that Oklahoma City was one of the few teams with enough cap space to take on Harris' contract.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported during the offseason that Harris was on the trade market after the team signed James Harden to a contract extension.
"We are hearing a lot about Tobias Harris in the trade market, so even after Philly looks at addressing some holes in free agency that this new contract from Harden opens, it wouldn’t surprise me if they look to do more work on their roster to build more around Harden and Embiid," Windhorst said.
Harris is having a solid season as a role player. The 30-year-old is averaging 14.7 points with a 39.7 shooting percentage from three-point range and 6.2 rebounds in 14 starts.
The problem for any team interested in Harris is those numbers don't line up with the star-level salary he is being paid. He is making $37,633,050 this season and is owed $39,270,150 in 2023-24 before hitting free agency.
Harden, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey are the main core of this Sixers team. Everyone else on the roster could be made available depending on what Daryl Morey wants to do and where they stand as the trade deadline gets closer.
The 76ers are currently the No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 7-7 record.
Joel Embiid Drops 59, Amazes Twitter with Historic Stat Line in 76ers' Win Over Jazz
Nov 14, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots the ball during the game against the Utah Jazz on November 13, 2022 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid had been slowed by an illness earlier this season, but the big man proved he's fully recovered with his most dominant performance of the year Sunday.
Embiid poured in 59 points while adding 11 rebounds, eight assists and seven blocks to lead the Sixers to a 105-98 win over the Utah Jazz. He shot 19-of-28 from the field and 20-of-24 from the free-throw line. The win improves Philadelphia to 7-7.
The Sixers needed every bit of Embiid's scoring outburst for the victory. Tyrese Maxey was the team's second-leading scorer with 18 points, and no other player reached double figures.
Social media was full of praise for the five-time All-Star for his dominance Sunday:
This is one of the most dominant performances of Joel Embiid’s career
Per @StatsWilliams, Joel Embiid is the first person to have at least 50 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and five blocks in a game since stats became an official stat 50 years ago.
Joel Embiid: 59 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists and 7 blocks in 76ers’ 105-98 victory over Jazz. 26 points and 5 blocks in the fourth quarter. Embiid drops 101 points inside 24 hours in victories over Hawks and Jazz.
this is maybe the single-best game I've ever seen Embiid play (at least on offense) and they are up 2 with 8:22 to play, free throws pending. Would be an all-time carry job if he can get them this one. 43-9-8 and counting
Embiid has scored 24 points in the fourth quarter on 7-for-8 shooting. He made his first seven attempts. His lone miss came on a three-point attempt. He also blocked five shots in the quarter.
Embiid's incredible performance is a follow-up from his 42-point, 10-rebound effort in Saturday's win over the Atlanta Hawks. He has scored 101 points in a 24-hour span, shouldering the scoring load in the absence of Sixers guard James Harden.
Embiid will get some much-needed rest as the Sixers have time off before returning to action Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Kevin Durant Trade Rumors: NBA Exec Says 'No Doubt' 76ers Have Asked Nets About Star
Nov 14, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 12: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets warms up before the game against the LA Clippers on November 12, 2022 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
Rumors are beginning to swirl once again that the Brooklyn Nets could end up trading star forward Kevin Durant, and a rival Eastern Conference contender is reportedly interested in acquiring him.
Per Sean Deveney of Heavy.com (h/t Thomas Darro), an NBA executive believes the Philadelphia 76ers have inquired with the Nets about Durant's availability and will continue to be aggressive in their pursuit of the 12-time All-Star.
"There is no doubt the Sixers have asked on Durant, they did in the summer, and will keep asking about him," the executive said.
The executive noted that the recent history between the two teams could create some hesitancy by the Nets. Last season's blockbuster trade involving Ben Simmons and James Harden hasn't worked out at all for Brooklyn, which could rule Philadelphia out of the Durant sweepstakes.
"The Nets are going to be a little put off by them already because of the Ben Simmons thing, because they feel like they were set up to give away James Harden all along," the executive said. "So the Sixers burned them once. Do the Nets want to go back and say, 'OK, sure, we’ll do a KD deal, too.'"
The Sixers have a strong combination of young players to offer the Nets, as the executive believes a package of Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris and Matisse Thybulle would be enticing because Brooklyn "might not get a better young player" than Maxey in a deal for Durant. However, Philadelphia isn't able to offer any draft picks in a trade right now, which would likely cause Brooklyn to pass on the package of players.
Darro noted that the possibility of a deal for Durant will increase as more players become trade-eligible closer to the trade deadline in February. Many believe the team is looking to move on from point guard Kyrie Irving following his suspension for posting a link to an antisemitic film on social media, and parting ways with Durant as well would be a complete reset for the franchise.
The Nets (6-7) will go for their third straight win when they face the Los Angeles Lakers (2-10) on Sunday night.
76ers' Joel Embiid: 'Some Days I Can’t Lift My Arm Up' Due to Shoulder Injury
Nov 13, 2022
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 26: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on October 26, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid told reporters he has been limited by a shoulder injury.
"I don't know what happened. But some days I can't lift my arm up. And when I go block shots, I really feel it," he said Saturday, per Sam DiGiovanni of Clutch Points. "I don't know what’s going on. But it's whatever."
Embiid has missed time due to a knee injury and illness this year, although the shoulder issue appears to be a new problem.
The 28-year-old has suffered a number of ailments over his seven-year career, and he has never appeared in more than 68 games in a season, which came during the 2021-22 campaign.
Embiid is off to a solid start this season, averaging 29.3 points, 10 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.2 blocks in nine games while shooting 51.4 percent from the floor. However, his numbers have dipped from the 2021-22 season, in which he averaged 30.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.5 blocks while shooting 49.9 percent from the floor.
When Embiid is sidelined, P.J. Tucker sees time at center for the Sixers. In addition, Montrezl Harrell is called upon to handle a heavier workload.
The 76ers will need Embiid to remain healthy if they want a chance to contend for an NBA title this year. However, even when he has been healthy, Philly has struggled, posting a 6-7 record through 13 games.
Philadelphia 76ers Ripped for Sloppy Play in Loss vs. Atlanta Hawks
Nov 11, 2022
ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 10: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on November 10, 2022 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Philadelphia 76ers trailed by as many as 20 points before losing 104-95 to the host Atlanta Hawks on Thursday.
This was an ugly game for the 76ers in many respects.
Philadelphia committed 17 turnovers, with Joel Embiid having seven of them.
Embiid had a good game on paper otherwise (26 points, 13 rebounds, plus-10), but opposing center Clint Capela outclassed him on this evening with 18 points and 20 rebounds in just 26 minutes (plus-24 rating). Backup big man Onyeka Okongwu (10 points, 11 boards) also helped the Hawks out-rebound the 76ers 54-45.
Elsewhere, 76ers forward Tobias Harris and guard Tyrese Maxey combined to shoot just 10-of-32 from the field (2-of-10 from three-point range). The team as a whole made just 6-of-30 three-pointers.
The Hawks also went on two separate 12-0 runs: one to cap the third quarter and another one a few minutes into the fourth.
This was a disappointing loss for a 76ers team that had just beaten the 8-3 Phoenix Suns 100-88 despite playing without James Harden (right foot tendon strain). However, the Hawks game showed how much the team misses him right now.
Twitter let its feelings known about the 76ers' performance during and after the game.
76ers got no chemistry, doc rivers coaching is old school, just something isn’t adding up for y’all. You guys got a top tier team on paper, but the adjustments and gameplan isn’t working for the 76ers. https://t.co/fvZhJI3i5A
Tyrese Maxey's last three games: 15-54 from the field. He's 1-7 tonight and looks completely unsure of what to do unless he's passing in pick-and-roll to Joel Embiid.
Not impossible, but pretty hard for this team to win without James Harden when he's playing like this.
Let this game show you how important James Harden is to this team he makes everybody's job easier when he's facilitating everything specially for Tyrese Maxey
The 5-7 76ers will have a quick chance for revenge when they host the Hawks on Saturday.
Joel Embiid Drops 33, Praised for 'Best' Performance of Season in 76ers' Win vs. Suns
Nov 8, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 7: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up before the game against the Phoenix Suns on November 7, 2022 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
Welcome back, Joel Embiid.
The free-throw line missed you.
Embiid shot 16-of-16 from the charity stripe and led the Philadelphia 76ers to a 100-88 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Monday. Philadelphia snapped a two-game losing streak and improved to 5-6 as the big man returned after missing the previous three contests with a non-COVID-19 illness.
James Harden was sidelined with a foot injury for the second straight game, but Embiid led the way with 33 points, 10 rebounds and five assists while using his ability to draw fouls to overwhelm Phoenix's frontcourt.
Social media had plenty to say about the five-time All-Star's showing:
Probably the Sixers' best quarter of the season. Joel Embiid has been aggressive getting downhill tonight, not settling for midrange jumpers. Already 6 of 6 from the line.
Excellent opening quarter for the Sixers. Embiid looked damn good after the layoff, good bench minutes from Reed, Harris with a quick trigger from deep. And even some transition defense!
The game marked an opportunity for the 76ers to regain their form as presumed contenders against one of the top teams in the league, and they came out on fire. The home team built a 13-point lead by the end of the first quarter, and Embiid got to the free-throw line even though his shot was off (8-of-21 overall).
He also impressed on the defensive end, even locking up Devin Booker on one possession. Tobias Harris and Georges Niang scored 21 points apiece.
Booker played well on his way to 28 points, seven rebounds and five assists with more responsibility after Chris Paul was ruled out for the second half with right heel soreness. Booker did have a game-high six turnovers in 43 minutes.
Philadelphia will look to keep things rolling Thursday in a road game against the Atlanta Hawks.
Ben Simmons Says 76ers Didn't Have His Back and Doc Rivers Tried to 'F--k with Me'
Nov 6, 2022
Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers, right, directs Ben Simmons, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Boston Celtics, Friday, Jan. 22, 2021, in Philadelphia. The 76ers won 122-110. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons addressed the unraveling of his Philadelphia 76ers tenure and didn't hold back with his criticism of former Sixers teammates or head coach Doc Rivers.
Simmons shouldered a lot of blame for Philly's exit in the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals. Joel Embiid cited his pass to Matisse Thybulle underneath the basket as a turning point in the series-clinching loss. Rivers balked when asked whether the 6'10" playmaker could be the starting point guard for a championship team.
Simmons' relationship with the Sixers never recovered.
"I definitely didn’t handle it the right way after the season, but there’s two sides," he said to the Sydney Morning Herald's Konrad Marshall. "Your teammates are supposed to have your back. Your coaches are supposed to have your back. And I didn’t have that at all."
The three-time All-Star also thought too much was made of his pass to Thybulle in the fourth quarter of Game 6.
"If I could go back I would go up strong, go to the line," he said. "But there was so much emphasis on that moment. I made a bad play, but loads of guys made bad plays. I’m not the reason we didn’t win."
Simmons began a holdout ahead of the 2021-22 season in hopes of forcing an exit out of Philadelphia. He was ultimately suspended before the opener after he showed little effort on the court upon rejoining the team for practice.
"I still wasn’t ready in my head. I wasn't in a place to get on the court and play," Simmons told Marshall about what happened. "I went to Coach and said, 'I'm not ready yet to get back on the court, I need some time.' He says, 'Well, I'm going to put you out there regardless.' Okay, so now you're just trying to f--k with me."
The 26-year-old didn't get his fresh start until his February trade to the Nets, but the trade has done little to reset the general narrative that took form following the 2021 playoffs.
Back trouble prevented him from suiting up for Brooklyn for the remainder of last year. By the time the postseason rolled around, even some of his teammates seemed to grow tired of the uncertainty over his playing status.
Finally healthy again, Simmons showed his rust to open 2022-23 before he was sidelined yet again, this time because of a knee problem. He has averaged 6.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 7.3 assists in six games for the Nets.
