Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant and the Philadelphia 76ers Could Make a Trade
Kevin Durant and the Philadelphia 76ers Could Make a Trade 2023: Recent reports indicate the Philadelphia 76ers may be interested in trading superstar Kevin Durant to the Brooklyn Nets. SNY’s Ian Begley reported that high-ranking members of the Sixers organization are open to engaging with the Nets on a deal for two-time finals MVP.
Embiid vs. Durant
Kevin Durant and Joel Embiid enjoy an intense, friendly rivalry that transcends the court. Their trash talking doesn’t stop on the court – they also share great chemistry off it as well. With a combined 5-2 record against one another in Regular Season matchups, these two could face off again during the playoffs.
Embiid has had an outstanding season, leading all NBA players in scoring and rebounding, and he is only a few points away from Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo for MVP honors.
He is leading his team to the top of the Eastern Conference. After losing in Game 7 of last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals to Giannis, Embiid will look to make history against his former teammate this time around.
This matchup was particularly captivating, as both stars are playing at MVP-caliber levels. Each averages over 30 points per game.
At their last meeting, Embiid had 26 points and 10 rebounds in Philadelphia’s win over Brooklyn. However, Simmons struggled mightily on the night, shooting just 3 of 18 from the field with only 12 points to his credit.
Both Embiid and Durant have been playing some of their best basketball of the 2022-2023 season, so it’s no surprise that this matchup is heating up. But what makes this feat even more remarkable is that both stars have been injured for much of the year.
Though Embiid may not be as quick or explosive as Durant, they still possess a mutual respect for one another. In fact, Embiid even waved off the Nets star after an heated exchange during their most recent clash.
Kobe Bryant can score like Kobe Bryant but doesn’t possess the physical tools of Hakeem Olajuwon or Shaquille O’Neal, it’s only natural for tensions to arise between them. This happened earlier this season between Embiid and Durant; although there is no bad blood between them, you can tell some tensions are beginning to subside.
Embiid vs. Claxton
On Wednesday night, Brooklyn Nets big man Nic Claxton and Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid will square off in their second matchup of the season. There’s plenty of jabbing and trash talking between these two players, but there are actually several reasons why this matchup could be beneficial to each team.
Claxton has had his share of struggles at the free throw line this season, but he’s shown signs of progress with a more complete offensive skill set this season. His shooting touch at the rim has improved, his lateral speed allows for quicker hedge outs and recoveries, and most importantly – an affinity for cheap buckets and offensive boards have increased.
He’s an impressive defender, not afraid to get into the paint and make plays with his feet. Recently he’s given James Harden some fits by making him run instead of shoot, slowing him down considerably.
He’s even been an outstanding teammate. Last season, Claxton was an integral part of the New York Knicks offense; scoring more than 13 points per game in the final eight weeks despite only playing 23.5 minutes per game.
Claxton has been an integral part of the Brooklyn Nets’ success this year and should be proud. He leads them in scoring, rebounds and blocks this year and can continue to do even better when he faces off against Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers in their next matchup.
The matchup between Claxton and Embiid will be one of the most intriguing this season. Both sides will strive to control the pace of play and keep each other off the floor. It promises to be an exciting test for both players, offering them the perfect chance to show who’s truly ready to take their game to the next level.
Embiid vs. Harden
One of the most remarkable aspects of this season’s Philadelphia 76ers team has been how well they play together. Although they haven’t found success in the playoffs, this squad looks and plays like it can win on its home floor.
This team has not been as injury prone as some other teams in the league this season, giving them great hope for next year and beyond. But what really intrigues me most about this squad right now is their chemistry between Embiid and Harden – that could be one of its most intriguing elements moving forward.
Their scoring prowess has made them nearly unstoppable for opposing defenses, thanks to their excellent pick-and-roll game. Whether Embiid rolls to the basket or launches outside the arc, Harden finds him in the paint for a layup or they charge down the lane in transition, this duo is capable of creating and scoring from any position on the court.
Another key element in this matchup is that Embiid appears more settled in his rhythm than he has been since the start of the season. He’s getting more touches and showing more passing ability than in past games. This could prove beneficial for him in this one-on-one matchup against Killian Donnelly.
Embiid has been taking more shots and hitting them at higher percentages this season, which should make him even more of a fantasy asset. His average of 22.5 points per game this season remains unchanged, but his stat line has improved drastically in the last few games.
One major reason for Embiid’s increased volume is that he’s taking fewer dribbles than before. While this may seem counterintuitive, dribbling too frequently and not being in rhythm can seriously hinder a player’s productivity.
Statistics don’t back this up. While Embiid’s RPM scores have been slightly higher this season, his real plus-minus score has actually been lower. Indeed, his overall impact on the team has been slightly worse when he’s dribbled the ball compared to when he’s been in rhythm.
Embiid vs. Nets
The 76ers have won their last two games and look to build on that 5-0 West Coast road trip when they take on the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night. One question the team must address is whether Joel Embiid will be able to play after missing last game due to left foot soreness.
If Embiid does play, this could be his first matchup against former teammate Ben Simmons and it promises to be a thrilling battle between both players. Both are known for their physical prowess and Embiid is known for his charismatic stage presence; so it’s easy to envision this being an entertaining contest between them.
Embiid has been on fire this season, playing well despite not taking as many three-pointers as last year. He’s shooting better from inside three feet than ever in his career and averaging 33.6 points per game – a career high.
On defense, Embiid’s patience and instinctive reading of the defense are paying off. He’s catching a lot of double teams and getting open for easy layups, while his reading of the defense makes it tougher for opponents to get him in foul trouble. With such an infectious enthusiasm for the game, his teammates can’t help but follow him wherever he goes.
When Embiid steps up to the line, he has an uncanny knack for hitting tough and-one buckets that will leave defenders in awe. Furthermore, Embiid is an impressive passer who uses his speed to open up on the perimeter.
He was an integral part of the Sixers’ run to the NBA Finals last season, and he could be key in any potential postseason matchup with the Nets. That being said, he needs to step up his defensive effort if he hopes to keep this streak going.
The Nets have some talented players on their roster, so Embiid will have his work cut out for him if he can stay healthy. But this should be an exciting matchup if Embiid can stay fit. https://www.youtube.com/embed/72F5M8iO9u0