The Sixers won a big game last night, finally beating Boston 118-115. Joel Embiid sparkled with 37 points and 22 rebounds, while Jimmy Butler hit the shot that sealed the game.
Rather than rehash the game, I want to write about Embiid and the Philadelphia-Boston rivalry.
Embiid is not only the face of the 76ers, he is the face of{Philadelphia sports right now. He can do it all on the basketball court. Embiid can score, hit 3-point shots, rebound, block shots and more. He is fun and entertaining to watch. He is young and wants to win. His only downside is his health. I Embiid stays healthy he can be one of the greatest Sixers ever.
Wilt Chamberlain was immortal. but he couldn't make his free throws let alone shoot a jumper. Allen Iverson was perhaps the best little guy ever, but, as a guard, he couldn't rebound or block shots. Charles Barkley was fantastic but he didn't have the overall game of Embiid.
It's no coincidence that the Sixers were floundering when Jojo was out with a sore knee after the All-Star break. Since he returned the team is 4-0, including big wins over Milwaukee and now the Celtics.The 76ers will go as far as Embiid takes them. I give them a good shot in every playoff series they play just because of Embiid. In every series the Sixers should have the best player (Embiid) on the court.
Philly needs to lock him up to a contract extension. Yes, his injuries are concerning and you hate to give away a boatload of guaranteed money to a guy who has had so many injuries over the years. But when he is right he is tremendous. Embiid may be right when he states "I'm the most unstoppable player in the league." Who would you rather have?
Nice to know that Embiid will be around a while. Like Bryce Harper with the Phillies visions of championships and victory parades are on the horizon.
- One week to go until Opening Day when the Phillies host the Atlanta Braves. Bryce Harper got his first hit of the spring yesterday in Florida vs the Tigers, lining a sharp single up the middle. Aaron Nola will pitch. Important for the Phils to get off to a fast start.Manager Gabe Kapler can't afford to have another shaky April. He is expected to win.
Looks like pitcher Tommy Hunter and speedy outfielder Roman Quinn will both begin the season on the DL. I don't care for Hunter but I am concerned about Quinn. He is a talented player when he is on the field. He seems like he is always hurt. When do the Phillies give up on Quinn?
Quinn and Aaron Altherr are out of options. So soon it will be fish or cut bait. Will Nick Williams, an extra outfield with potential ( one of the reported players in the Fortnight scandal)be traded for starting pitching?
Nick Pivetta will start Game 2 of the Braves' series, with Jake Arrieta pitching Game 3, the ESPN Sunday Night opener. Zach Eflin will be the fourth starter as the Phils won't need a fifth starter until the middle of April. Look for Vince Valasquez to go to the bullpen until then.
I'll have my Phillies predictions and Baseball Preview next Monday on the blog. Please check it out then.
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