Joel Embiid stabilizing 76ers after James Harden saga as Knicks rumors fade
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The chatter has died down.
The talk of Joel Embiid forcing his way out of Philadelphia has grinded to a halt.
Once thought of as a major Knicks target, the reigning MVP is having a huge year for the 76ers, who moved on from James Harden and are the better for it under new coach Nick Nurse.
Entering the first meeting between the rivals Friday night at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, the 76ers own the third-best record in the Eastern Conference at 23-10 and trail the powerhouse Bucks by just a half-game in the standings.
Embiid could repeat as the MVP, averaging 34.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 2.0 blocks.
Perhaps most noteworthy is the emergence of fourth-year guard Tyrese Maxey.
He’s a potential All-Star, posting career-highs in scoring (25.9), assists (6.4), rebounds (3.7) and minutes (37.1).
The 76ers are second in the NBA in NET defensive rating at 110.0 and fourth in offensive rating at 120.4.
Moving the disgruntled Harden to the Clippers has paid off.
The first All-Star ballot update wasn’t kind to the Knicks.
Jalen Brunson came in sixth among Eastern Conference guards, behind Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard, Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell and Maxey, while Julius Randle didn’t crack the top 10 among forwards.
Fans account for 50 percent of the vote to determine the starters for the showcase.
Players and a media panel account for 25 percent each.
The next fan voting update will be shared next Thursday.
Guard Malachi Flynn is questionable to make his Knicks debut on Friday with a sprained right ankle.
He was acquired in the OG Anunoby trade with the Raptors.
The 76ers will be without guard De’Anthony Melton (back) while forward Robert Covington (left knee) and guard Furkan Korkmaz (illness) are listed as questionable.
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