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Sixers-Nuggets: Second Half Thread

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Game Details


When: Monday, January 5, 8:30 p.m. ET
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Watch: Peacock
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/76er...rs-denver-nuggets-nba-second-half-game-thread
 
Blue Coats check-in: MarJon Beauchamp shines, Johni Broome progress, and more trades

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The G League season is in full swing. At our last Blue Coats check-in, we were taking early stock as players like Emoni Bates, Kennedy Chandler, MarJon Beauchamp and others made immediate noise. Now, just under a month later, the picture looks very different. Rotations have shifted, personnel has changed, and new storylines have emerged. There is no shortage of talking points, so let’s dive in.

MarJon Beauchamp continues to impress​


In the last Blue Coat Check-In, I noted that Hunter Sallis was at risk of losing his two-way contract spot with the Sixers and identified MarJon Beauchamp as a potential replacement. The Sixers made it official a few weeks ago, waiving Sallis and promoting Beauchamp to the third two-way contract. While we have yet to see Beauchamp suit up for the Sixers, he has been logging heavy minutes in the G League.

Beauchamp has appeared in 12 G League games so far this season, averaging 36.3 minutes per game along with 22.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.9 turnovers. He’s shooting 48.3 percent from the field and an impressive 40.8 percent from three.

34 PTS 🔥 7 REB 🔥 8 3PM 🔥 13/24 FG

MarJon Beauchamp CAN’T be stopped! The @sixers Two-Way signee scored a season-high and hit a career-high in 3PM to lead the @blue_coats to an 18-point comeback win. pic.twitter.com/b5NmU0qGuh

— NBA G League (@nbagleague) December 31, 2025

The biggest question with Beauchamp has always been his shot, or lack thereof. Not only has he been knocking down shots in the G League, but he has been actively hunting them. His 8.6 three-point attempts per game rank towards the top of the league, and he is converting at a strong rate despite the high volume. Many of these are not simple catch-and-shoot looks either, as a significant portion come off the dribble or on the move.

While his jumper will likely always be the primary talking point, it is worth noting how the Blue Coats have used Beauchamp, which is often a strong indicator of how a player can translate to the NBA level. They have given him the freedom not only to handle the ball but to create consistently. He is averaging four assists during this stretch and is coming off an eight-assist performance in his most recent game. Beauchamp will never be a true point guard, per se, but his ability to make sound reads and generate quality looks for teammates could open the door to playing time.

If his shot is falling, Beauchamp has the physical tools and skill set to become a true Swiss Army knife. He is a strong rebounder for his size, has shown he can create and score, and is known as a tenacious defender.

It is not difficult to see why the Sixers signed him. He fits the stereotypical mold of players head coach Nick Nurse tends to favor, and there was growing buzz that he should be rostered just days before the move became official. It remains to be seen when Philadelphia will turn to him, and Kelly Oubre Jr.’s return certainly complicates that path. Still, Beauchamp’s production is becoming too hard to ignore. It feels more like a question of when, not if, the Sixers give him an opportunity.

Johni Broome’s rookie season in the G​


The Sixers’ frontcourt is starting to look deep, which is a big reason we haven’t seen much Johni Broome in the NBA for his rookie season. So, how has the Sixers’ second -round pick been performing down in the G?

Broome has appeared in 15 G League games so far, averaging 33.1 minutes per game. He is posting 20.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.6 blocks per contest while committing just two turnovers per game. During that stretch, he is shooting 46.5 percent from the field, 23.3 percent from three, and 64 percent from the free-throw line.

As expected, the rookie’s season has featured its share of ups and downs. There have been some notable highs, particularly in December. On the 21st against the Texas Legends, Broome erupted for 32 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and three blocks in a win. He followed that performance on the 31st by scoring 32 again, adding eight rebounds and three blocks against the Iowa Wolves. However, his perimeter shooting has begun to trend sharply downward. Over his last six games, Broome is just 4-for-20 from three-point range.

Broome may be one of the more difficult players to evaluate, a theme that dates back to the draft. On one hand, he has a tremendous feel for the game. He finishes well around the rim, shows terrific touch, and possesses solid vision for an NBA big. On the other, his perimeter shot is inconsistent, a flaw that has been on full display over the past month. Defensively, he can look slow-footed at times, even by G League standards. Still, his high basketball IQ and wingspan help compensate for many of his physical limitations.

Broome’s game may not be aesthetically pleasing, but that is not why the Sixers drafted him. They selected him because he is a proven winner and a consistent producer. So far, he has delivered strong numbers for a rookie big man. While Philadelphia is unlikely to turn to him this season, the coming weeks and months will be important for Broome’s continued development in the G League. Look for him to re-find that perimeter shot, and produce some gaudy lines.

Justin Edwards on assignment​


The Sixers sent Justin Edwards down for his second G League assignment of the season just a few days ago. The former undrafted prospect suited up for the Blue Coats and delivered a strong all-around performance, finishing with 21 points, six rebounds, five assists, one steal, one block and just one turnover in a win over the Birmingham Squadron. He shot 8-of-17 from the field and 3-of-10 from three-point range.

Unlike Broome, we have seen a meaningful sample of Edwards at the NBA level this season, and the results have been mixed. At times, it feels like Edwards is either swinging games in the Sixers’ favor or hurting them significantly. He has been a major variance player, and at the NBA level he would likely benefit from a more stable, low-variance role. Tough shooting nights are inevitable, especially given his limited opportunities, but too often those nights have dictated his overall impact.

In the grand scheme, one G League game does not mean much on its own. That said, Edwards performed well during this brief stint. He did not light up the box score the way he did during his first assignment, but he defended with intensity, moved the ball well, and contributed across multiple areas. Edwards is a capable player with a legitimate NBA wing frame and skill set, and this type of well-rounded production is something worth seeing more of when he is called upon at the NBA level. For now, it stands as a solid developmental rep.

A Charles Bassey update​


A Sixer blogpost mentioning Charles Bassey in 2026? You bet.

The Blue Coats shocked the G League world a few weeks ago by trading away Emoni Bates and receiving Bassey in return. Bassey is a former draft pick of Daryl Morey and the Sixers, best remembered for one of the more notable contract disputes involving a late second-round pick in recent memory. The peak of his Sixers tenure came in a memorable performance against the Denver Nuggets and Nikola Jokic. Bassey was waived at the beginning of the following season during final roster cuts and has since bounced around the NBA.

When the Blue Coats initially reacquired him, it was unclear whether Bassey would actually report to Delaware once again. That question was answered shortly thereafter, as the Blue Coats moved him on Dec. 27 in a major deal by G League standards. Delaware sent Charles Bassey and a second-round pick in the 2026 G League Draft to the Santa Cruz Warriors in exchange for the returning player rights to forward Jackson Rowe, a first-round pick in the 2026 G League Draft, and a 2027 first-round pick.

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact rationale behind the move. It is possible the Blue Coats were doing Bates a favor by sending him to a situation where an NBA opportunity felt more attainable. They also may have had genuine interest in adding Bassey, though that interest may not have been mutual given the complicated history between Bassey, his representation, and the Sixers’ organizational umbrella. Another plausible explanation is that Delaware acquired Bassey simply to flip him, which is far from unprecedented. Around the league, Bassey is widely viewed as one of the best, if not the best, available free-agent bigs.

Since the trade, Bassey has already suited up for the Santa Cruz Warriors. Considering how much Santa Cruz gave up, it is fair to assume there is at least some level of interest from Golden State’s NBA side. The Warriors may be the most center-needy team in the league at the moment, currently piecing together minutes at the position with a disgruntled Draymond Green, an aging Al Horford, and Quentin Post. With 10-day contracts looming as a variable, it would not be surprising if Bassey earns a legitimate look out West.

For those curious, it is unlikely Jackson Rowe will ever suit up for the Blue Coats, nor does it appear this move was made with him as the primary target. Rowe is a 28-year-old forward currently playing for Ironi Ness Ziona, an Israeli basketball club. Outside of a two-way stint with the Golden State Warriors that resulted in just 52 total NBA minutes, he has yet to see meaningful action at the NBA level.

For those who want to see them in action, Beauchamp, Broome and the rest of the Delaware Blue Coats will take the floor on Jan. 8 against the Windy City Bulls. The game will be streamed on the NBA G League website as well as on CHSN+.

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/76er...hamp-shines-johni-broome-progress-more-trades
 
Joel Embiid, Kelly Oubre Jr., Trendon Watford all questionable as the Sixers host the Wizards

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They can’t all get healthy at the same time without there being some doubt.

Fresh off their worst loss of the season the Sixers look to bounce back hosting the Washington Wizards, and they’ve released an injury report for that contest. Joel Embiid, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Trendon Watford are all listed as questionable for it.

Starting with Embiid, the reasons listed are the classic left knee injury management and also a right ankle sprain. That ankle sprain has popped up on the injury report, but he’s only missed one game for it so far and while that game wasn’t a back-to-back, it was still a day game in OKC with less than 48 hours rest. Embiid hadn’t played with less than two games of rest in between until mid-December. Through their more recent stretch of games he’s played four games over seven days.

The bigger story though might be the returns of both Oubre and Watford. Oubre has been out since November 14 when he sprained his LCL in his left knee in a loss to the Detroit Pistons. Watford strained his adductor back on Nov 25 loss against the Orlando Magic. Funnily enough, both of those games were NBA Cup games, so that tournament really hasn’t been kind to the Sixers in its three years of existence.

It’s been quite stop and start for Watford’s early days as a Sixer. He missed almost all of training camp and the preseason, as well as the first three games with a hamstring injury before going down 14 games later.

Oubre got off to a torrid start before being sidelined for nearly two months, averaging 16.8 points per game shooting 49% from the field. It will be interesting to see if he assumes his place in the starting lineup when he returns, or if he is slotted into a bench scoring role given the emergence of Dominick Barlow as a glue guy in Oubre’s absence.

All questions about the starting lineup would of course be put on pause if Embiid can’t go against the Wizards. The Sixers should have more than enough to get a win without him, but as they just showed against the hospital Nuggets, anything is possible in the NBA.

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/76er...lly-oubre-jr-trendon-watford-all-questionable
 
Kelly Oubre Jr.’s imminent return should stabilize the rotation

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There are probably two distinct mindsets to interpreting the 2025-26 Philadelphia 76ers as we near the halfway point.

On one hand, some fans are probably checked out. The last 10 years have been a whirlwind of emotions for Sixers fans and last season’s disaster was probably enough for many to scale back their investment, both from a time and money standpoint. At 19-15, with a slew of absences from Joel Embiid and Paul George (as expected), there certainly has not been enough from the Sixers for this sect of the fanbase to reengage on a more serious level.

On the other hand, there have been some reasons for optimism as well and Philadelphia looks set in the backcourt for many years to come with Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. The glass-half-full fan probably looks at this as the beginning of a transition away from Embiid and George and towards the team’s young guards and sees a new era being ushered in.

The return of Kelly Oubre – which appears imminent at this point with him being listed as questionable Wednesday – should appease both of these types of fans. The disgruntled fan that is done getting excited about the Sixers largely thanks to Embiid and George’s lack of consistent performance and availability watched Oubre be a calming presence in Philadelphia’s rotation in the previous two seasons. In Oubre’s first season in Philadelphia, he appeared in 68 games, starting 52 of them, and he started all six games of Philly’s first-round playoff series defeat against New York.

In 2024-25, a season in which seemingly every Sixer was snakebit by injuries, the veteran wing appeared in 60 games, making 57 starts. Only Ricky Council IV and Guerschon Yabusele played more games for the Sixers last season and both of those players are no longer with the organization. So, if you’re a fan that is fed up with the rotating door of starting lineups for the Sixers thanks to injuries, know that Oubre has mostly been a constant in his time as a Sixer. If Oubre can avoid further injury in 2025-26, there’s a chance he again plays 55-60 games for Philly in his age 30 season.

If you’re more of an optimist when it comes to this year’s Sixers and think there’s a chance for them to really do some damage this season, you’ll view Oubre’s return as deepening a rotation that needs more bodies. It goes without saying that Maxey and Edgecombe need to be great on just about a nightly basis for Philly to have a chance to win games. But a big reason why the Sixers aren’t better than their mediocre 19-15 record thus far is the two lead guards just haven’t had enough consistent help.

Jared McCain has not returned to his 2024-25 form just yet and I’m sure some fans are getting a bit impatient with the second-year guard, for better or worse. Quentin Grimes has had a bit of a topsy-turvy season to date and can be a bit difficult to get a read on each night. There really hasn’t been anyone in the front court that Nick Nurse can rely on for offense on nights Embiid does not play and that often leaves Philadelphia trying to grind out lower-scoring wins rooted in its defense.

Oubre has mostly played on bad teams in his 11-year NBA career. But he’s been a 60-80 games a season guy practically every year. For his career, he’s a 32.5% three-point shooter, a 75.2% free-throw shooter and averages 13.3 points per game. It’s nothing fancy and it certainly won’t get Oubre in contention for any individual honors, but he shows up most nights and gives the team something.

Having another player who you can mostly know what to expect from in the rotation is exactly what the Sixers need as they trudge along through the dog days of the winter these next two months. Yes, if they’re going to be a serious title contender when winter gives way to spring, they’re probably going to need a stroke of luck when it comes to the availability and performances of Embiid and George. But they have to get to the meaningful spring games first in order for that stroke of luck to even be a factor. Kelly Oubre’s return will help them do that.

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/76er...imminent-return-should-stabilize-the-rotation
 
Sixers Bell Ringer: Sixers stars leave no doubt vs. Washington

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2025-26 Sixers Bell Ringer standings:
Tyrese Maxey – 15
VJ Edgecombe – 5
Joel Embiid – 3
Andre Drummond – 2
Paul George – 2
Dominick Barlow – 1
Adem Bona – 1
Justin Edwards – 1
Quentin Grimes – 1
Jared McCain – 1
Kelly Oubre Jr. – 1
Trendon Watford – 1
15th roster spot – 1



The 76ers took care of business on Wednesday against the last pre-Trae Young iteration of the Washington Wizards by a score of 131- 110.

Just 10 minutes after the final buzzer, the Wizards agreed on a trade sending CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Trae Young.

BREAKING: The Atlanta Hawks are trading four-time NBA All-Star Trae Young to the Washington Wizards for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/WIf8rhrRFu

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 8, 2026

It was the elephant in the room the entire game, as multiple reports from Marc Stein and Shams Charania earlier in the day made the trade appear as a foregone conclusion, and McCollum and Kispert were awkwardly awaiting their destiny on the bench.

The Sixers, conversely, played with intent and energy through the entire 48 minutes against an undermanned team, wiping the slate clean from their embarrassing loss to Denver on Monday.

The three-headed monster of Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and Joel Embiid led the way for the home squad, scoring 54 of the teams 62 first-half points.

Outside of a rocky second quarter thanks to some questionable lineups, the Sixers never gave them a chance.

The even performances bears a tough decision, but each quarter had a Bell Ringer-worthy performance within.

Editor’s note: We’re going to try something different tonight. Instead of a poll, I’m going to comment on the post with each candidate. Each comment/player name will be featured at the top of the comments. Give a “rec” for the player you’re voting for. This will give you all a running tally. It’s not perfect, but it was a fine suggestion by one of our readers, so we’re going to give it a shot.

Tyrese Maxey: 22 points, 9-of-15 FG, 4-of-10 3PT, 8 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block

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It was a milder night from Maxey in terms of scoring, but he showcased his leadership by setting the tone early in the game following a brutal loss against the Nuggets. He would drain four from deep in the first frame, often taking advantage of retreating defenders in transition. He has been automatic in transition all season, but there was a level of comfort to it early in this game.

🧑‍🍳💋 pic.twitter.com/cNMg5XyiBe

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) January 8, 2026

He tallied a couple of challenging finishes on back-to-back possessions later in the second quarter to help the Sixers regain the lead.

This Tyrese Maxey move 😱

Pumpfakes.
Drives towards the rim.
Wild circus finish.

He's got 20… tap to watch: https://t.co/kQMbjf7ZWo pic.twitter.com/MMbnSKwjzh

— NBA (@NBA) January 8, 2026

He also pulled off a savvy move on Marvin Bagley in the third that has become a staple in his offensive arsenal this year, sticking him to his back hip all the way to the rim.

Paul George: 23 points, 7-of-11 FG, 4-of-8 3PT, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block

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Paul George played savior in the second quarter when the Sixers really took their foot off the gas. During a stretch without Maxey or Embiid to start the frame, the Wizards went on a 16-5 run, where George was responsible for all five points. He continued on a stretch scoring eight straight and finished the third with three makes from deep, a midrange pull-up and 13 points total.

PG cookin pic.twitter.com/43ZGEQieeX

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) January 8, 2026

He joined VJ Edgecombe in the fourth to help push the lead to 20 with a push shot of his own. Other than that, George’s second half was quiet.

Joel Embiid: 28 points, 10-of-14 FG, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks

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Embiid laid claim to the third quarter, displaying efficient shooting from all over the floor. He would score on a trio of post hooks on Alex Sarr, a nifty midrange on the elbow, and a deep three to total 12 points in the quarter.

Joel getting warm pic.twitter.com/ttiBUBflcD

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) January 8, 2026

After a rough second-quarter, Embiid was the stabilizing force in the third on both ends. He blocked a cutting Justin Champagnie saving two points that would have cut the Sixers lead to just five. For the first game in a while, Embiid did not take an unnecessary spill or have a scare with his lower body.

VJ Edgecombe: 13 points, 4-of-13, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, 5 steals

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Edgecombe had a rough shooting night but was still making impact plays up and down the court, especially in the final frame. He started the frame with a couple fadeaway jumpers and a steal to help push the lead to over 20. It’s incredible to see a rookie consistently impact the defense in clutch moments, and his decision making in the open court.

Oubre steal ➡️ VJ dime ➡️ Grimes slam@Liberty_Ballers pic.twitter.com/RcLCa2Azti

— Drew Peltzman (@dapeltz13) January 8, 2026

He also had a couple attempts at the dunk of the year — one was ruled a charge and the other was blocked. His vertical is going to surprise the wrong defender and they will be on posters throughout Philadelphia… soon.

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Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/76er...ds-big-3-tyrese-maxey-paul-george-joel-embiid
 
Don’t expect more Joel Embiid dunks, but his upward trajectory is encouraging

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Young Joel Embiid could make a poster on any given night. Hell, he’d show up to a Philly neighborhood court and dunk on Joe Schmo.

But multiple knee surgeries later, dunks haven’t been a part of Embiid’s game in recent years. Over the first seven years of his career, Embiid averaged 63.9 dunks in 56.3 games. In the past two seasons combined, he had 24 total dunks in 58 games.

Through 15 games in 2025-26, Embiid had yet to throw one down. He finally got one — one even he admitted was a little cheap — to put the cherry on top of an impressive win over the New York Knicks. The very next game against the Denver Nuggets, Embiid recorded another slam — though that one barely even got over the rim.

Then it really happened in Wednesday’s 131-110 win over the Washington Wizards. Less than two minutes into the game, Embiid muscled away from second-year big man Alex Sarr, received an on-the-money pass from Paul George, and flushed it down emphatically with two hands.

Nothing cheap about that one, and the bench responded in kind.

“Honestly, I don’t really want to do it,” Embiid said, “but I know that if I do it … it makes a lot of people happy. It’s good for the vibes. And we needed that tonight, especially after the other [night‘s loss].”

Even by Joel Embiid standards, the previous three years had been chaotic:

  • He won an MVP
  • Was playing at an even more insane level to start the following season
  • Broke the franchise single-game scoring record
  • Tore his meniscus again, got surgery and returned for the end of the regular season
  • Averaged 33.0 points in a tough playoff series
  • Won an Olympic gold medal
  • Signed an extension
  • Only played 19 games last season
  • Underwent another knee procedure

There’s been a peace to Embiid this season. It seems he’s listening to his body and the medical staff more, and the outside nonsense less. He’d be the first person to tell you the beginning of the season was difficult. He was on the court, but his body simply couldn’t do what he wanted it to.

With more consistent playing time and no minutes restriction holding him back, we’re getting glimpses of peak Embiid. He’s averaged 29.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 blocks in 32.9 minutes a game while shooting 52.3% from the field (a figure that could continue to tick up once he finds his three-ball again). Those numbers are nice, but the eye test feels even more important. He’s contesting more shots at the rim, he’s actively jumping for rebounds, he’s getting downhill on drives — all his movements look much more fluid in general.

The thing is though, this might just be the start. Embiid might have even more to give as he’s further removed from surgery.

“I have all those moments like I think all the fans do that you say, ‘alright, there’s some stuff we remember,‘” Nick Nurse said, “and I don’t know … I think there’s still a long way to go yet. I think it’s looking a lot better, he’s come a long way, but I think there’s still a ways to go yet, which I think is encouraging for not only him but our team.”

If Embiid remains healthy, he could take his game up another level, but the remaining healthy part has always been the trickiest.

Embiid played just two games in the month of November, missing nine with soreness in his right knee, not the left one he’s had his two most recent procedures on. He’s also popped up on the injury report with an ankle sprain recently.

We can’t be certain any player will remain healthy, but the fear of injury is much more prevalent for Embiid than just about any player in the league. But what’s the use in dwelling on that if you’re Embiid or the Sixers? All the team can do is continue to stack days and build chemistry, while hoping the former MVP not only remains healthy, but continues his upward trajectory.

“Just gotta keep going,” Embiid said. “I’m still building myself back up. We just have to be smart.“

Paul George is in a similar boat, having basically a lost first season in Philadelphia. His numbers have ticked up and he’s looked better on the court. He scored 23 points Wednesday, marking the first time all of Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and George have scored 20-plus points in the same game.

And like Embiid, George has rocked the rim a couple times recently, most recently in Dallas in a win over the Mavericks, eliciting quite the reaction from the bench. Those are fun moments for a team looking to become a cohesive unit.

They mean a lot to those players, who’ve been through so much over the last year and change.

“They’ve been a part of the long days, the grueling days of us being sidelined and us rehabbing,” George said. “Those small things keep us going. Now, I’m looking forward to the next time I can attack and go to the rim and dunk and share that moment with those guys on the sideline. It just means so much more than two points. … It’s a morale boost and a confidence booster. … And I think it’s us showing how big of a bond this team has.”

As usual, Embiid brought levity to the proceedings when asked what it meant for his teammates to be so excited for his dunks.

“It means to me I might be washed,” Embiid joked.

Don’t expect Embiid to put a guy on a poster anytime soon, but his upward trajectory is arguably the most encouraging thing for the Sixers’ chances to stay relevant this season.

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/76er...s-wizards-paul-george-nick-nurse-tyrese-maxey
 
Joel Embiid questionable for Sixers’ visit to Orlando

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(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia 76ers are coming off of one of their more comfortable wins of the season so far, a 131-110 victory over the Washington Wizards that saw the trio of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George each score more than 20 points in the same game for the first time ever as Sixers.

The squad may be missing a piece of the Big 3 on Friday evening, however, with Philadelphia’s early injury report listing Embiid as questionable for the team’s contest visiting the Orlando Magic due to left knee injury management.

Embiid has played the Sixers’ last five games in a row across nine days, his best availability of the season by far. More importantly, he’s looked efficient and comfortable on the floor in those contests. In the five games, within which the Sixers have gone 4-1, Embiid averaged 28.4 points shooting 53.6% from the floor with 8.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.2 blocks in 34.2 minutes per outing.

For what it’s worth, Embiid had also been listed as questionable early on for Wednesday’s contest against the Washington Wizards. On gameday, he was upgraded to probable and ended up playing, scoring 28 points (on 10-for-14 field goal shooting) in under 26 minutes played.

For the third game in a row, the Sixers will be going up against a relatively-depleted opponent. For the Magic, Franz Wagner, averaging 22.7 points per game this season in 24 games, will be out due to a left high ankle sprain. Jalen Suggs, averaging 15.0 points, 4.7 assists and 1.9 steals per game, is also ruled out due to an MCL contusion. Rookie Jase Richardson, who notched a career-high 20 points against the Wizards on Tuesday, is questionable with left ankle soreness.

We will keep you updated as more information about Embiid’s status becomes available.

The Sixers and Magic tip off in Orlando on Friday at 7 p.m. ET.

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/76er...-report-nba-sixers-philadelphia-orlando-magic
 
Sixers kick off tough stretch starting with Orlando Magic

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The Sixers are coming off a much-needed bounce-back win at home against the Washington Wizards, shaking off a disappointing loss. There won’t be much time to savor it, though, as they begin one of the toughest stretches of their regular-season schedule with a road matchup against the Orlando Magic.

The Magic opened the year in miserable fashion, dropping four of their first five games, including a loss to Philadelphia. Since that slow start, Orlando has found its footing. Their offense now ranks 16th in the league, while their defense sits 11th overall, just outside the top 10.

Even with that improvement, the Magic have once again had to deal with a significant share of injuries. As things stand now, they’re without Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs — two of the more important players on their roster. Franchise cornerstone Paolo Banchero by most accounts has had a disappointing year, but he appears to finally be turning a corner. He’s fresh off a game-winner against the Brooklyn Nets, and will look to keep the positive momentum going against the Sixers who have struggled to guard him in the past.

The seemingly never-ending injuries have created a silver lining for the Magic. Anthony Black, their lottery pick from a few years ago, has been called upon and has delivered. Over the past 25 games, the third-year guard is averaging 17.8 points, 4.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 32.3 minutes per game. Even while shorthanded, Orlando will not lack length, size or athleticism with Black and Banchero leading the way.

Shifting the focus north, the Sixers have plenty working in their favor. Health has finally swung their way, as their most recent game marked the first time they posted a clean injury report in nearly two years. Individually, the core group of Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Paul George and Joel Embiid appears to be hitting its stride. Embiid, in particular, has looked like his usual dominant self, playing five straight games and averaging nearly 30 points over that stretch. Philadelphia will need that presence again to counter Orlando’s size and defensive capabilities.

George has also started to find his rhythm, turning in arguably his best performance of the season against the Washington Wizards. With injuries and new additions constantly shifting the rotation, that game marked the first time the team’s top stars carried them to a comfortable win. That group will look to build on that momentum as they face a tougher test on the road against the Magic.

Heading into this game, the Magic have ruled out Suggs, Franz Wagner and Mo Wagner. Rookie Jase Richardson is questionable with a sore ankle. If Richardson cannot play, the Magic will likely turn to Tyus Jones, who had a solid game against the Sixers but has struggled for much of the season, along with more on ball responsibility for Black.

For the Sixers, Embiid is the key name to monitor as he remains questionable with left knee injury management. Kelly Oubre will be available, while G League assignees Johni Broome, MarJon Beauchamp and Justin Edwards are listed as doubtful.

The Sixers’ upcoming schedule is anything but a cakewalk. After this matchup, they head to Toronto for a back-to-back set against the Raptors, then return home to face the Cleveland Cavaliers twice later in the week. Both opponents are firmly in the Eastern Conference playoff race. A win in Orlando would go a long way toward keeping Philadelphia afloat and improving its margin for error during what may be the toughest stretch of its schedule. The question now is whether the Sixers can rediscover the success they had earlier this season against the Magic.

Game Details


When: Friday, January 9, 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: KIA Center, Orlando, FL
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Follow: @LibertyBallers

Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/76er...off-tough-stretch-starting-with-orlando-magic
 
Sixers Bell Ringer: Sixers move up to fifth seed with strong road win over Magic

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2025-26 Sixers Bell Ringer standings:
Tyrese Maxey – 15
VJ Edgecombe – 5
Joel Embiid – 3
Paul George – 3
Andre Drummond – 2
Dominick Barlow – 1
Adem Bona – 1
Justin Edwards – 1
Quentin Grimes – 1
Jared McCain – 1
Kelly Oubre Jr. – 1
Trendon Watford – 1
15th roster spot – 1



As the song goes, here come the Sixers. Philadelphia has now won five of its last six games, only inexplicably losing to the Hospital Nuggets in overtime. Friday night in Orlando, the two teams couldn’t hit any outside shots in the first half. The Sixers’ offense then got its act together in the third quarter, and the group closed out the fourth quarter with an outstanding defensive effort, holding the Magic to just 12 points in the period. With the 103-91 win, the Sixers have moved up to the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, and at 21-15, they are six games over .500 for the first time this season. Philadelphia will now also have any potential regular season tiebreaker against the Magic after winning the season series, 2-1. It was simply a workmanlike, drama-free road win against a solid opponent. As Johnny Gomez used to say, “Good fight, good night.” Let’s talk Bell Ringer.

Editor’s note: We’ve tweaked out voting process. Instead of a poll, I’m going to comment on the post with each candidate. Each comment/player name will be featured at the top of the comments. Give a “rec” for the player you’re voting for. This will give you all a running tally. It’s not perfect, but it was a fine suggestion by one of our readers, so we’re going to give it a shot.

Tyrese Maxey: 29 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 3 steals, 1 turnover

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After an ice-cold (for him) 12 points in the first half, Maxey caught fire in the third quarter and more than doubled that total with 14 points in the frame. It was the full arsenal from Tyrese, a pull-up three in transition, a floater in the lane through contact, and putting Jamal Cain in the spin cycle for a driving layup. When things aren’t clicking offensively as a whole for the team, it’s a wonderful fallback to have a guy capable of getting his own off the dribble or fire away from a few feet behind the three-point arc. Maxey basically had one good quarter and nearly put up a 30-spot. It’s no wonder he’s putting up the sort of ascendant numbers we’ve seen this season.

Seven straight Sixers' points from Tyrese Maxey 🔥 pic.twitter.com/GfdEiRcIeh

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) January 10, 2026

Paul George: 18 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks, 3 turnovers

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Paul George drove the getaway car for the Sixers, taking over at the beginning of the fourth quarter as part of the group that put the game away. In the first six minutes of the period, he recorded eight points, four rebounds, an assist, and two blocks. The Sixers went from up four to up 13 points when PG subbed out midway through the quarter. It was the sort of lineup-carrying performance with Maxey and Embiid both resting on the bench that the organization envisioned when they dropped the bag on him in free agency. George also hit 19,000 career points during the game, the 67th player in NBA history to reach that milestone.

PG with the nice left-handed finish through contact 😮‍💨 He's got 6 points in Q4 already. pic.twitter.com/bRg8hnjz1d

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) January 10, 2026

Joel Embiid: 22 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 4 turnovers

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It was a less efficient night than Joel has put together recently, but still a step in the nice direction. First off, it was his sixth consecutive game played, which many would have reasonably thought we might not see this season. He looked good physically, initiating contact for a bushel of points in the paint. Even his jumpers came with a guy on his back, followed by a fadeaway or turnaround face-up. We also saw yet another dunk from Joel! Embiid looks to be feeling good out on the court, and it’s not at all surprising that the team’s success has ticked up in tandem with improved health for the big man.

Joel Embiid hits the baseline fade over rookie Noah Penda pic.twitter.com/smm2gW6uEy

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) January 10, 2026

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Source: https://www.libertyballers.com/76er...up-fifth-seed-road-win-over-orlando-magic-nba
 
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