The rivalry between Joel Embiid and the Orlando Magic has been brewing for some time now. Both sides have had their fair share of battles on the basketball court, with tensions reaching a boiling point on multiple occasions. Embiid, the dominant center for the Philadelphia 76ers, has established himself as one of the best players in the league. His combination of size, skill, and athleticism makes him a force to be reckoned with on the court. However, his success has not come without controversy. The Orlando Magic, on the other hand, have been a consistent postseason contender in recent years.
No books have Embiid props up for Monday's game yet, and it might make sense for him to sit after playing 38 minutes in a highly charged national TV game vs. Denver. Philadelphia is facing a bad Orlando team on Monday. The Sixers host the Magic again Wednesday and back-to-back games against the same club can sometimes led to chippy play. While Orlando has been pretty solid at home, it is 6-18 on the road, and the Sixers probably don't need Embiid to beat them.
It was Embiid s fourth career game with at least 45 points, 15 rebound and five assists, the most in the NBA since the start of the 2016-17 campaign. Orlando Magic s Gary Harris 14 goes up for a shot against Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid 21 during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Feb.
The Orlando Magic, on the other hand, have been a consistent postseason contender in recent years. Led by their own talented group of players, they have proven to be a formidable opponent for Embiid and the 76ers. This has resulted in fierce competition whenever the two teams face off.
Embiid's 35 points, 16 rebounds lead 76ers over Magic in OT
Philadelphia 76ers centre Joel Embiid (21) celebrates after scoring a three-point basket as Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) watches during the second half of an NBA basketball game. (Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP)
| March 13, 2022, 9:45 PM March 13, 2022, 9:45 PMORLANDO, Fla. -- Joel Embiid had 35 points and 16 rebounds and the Philadelphia 76ers kept rallying, finally beating the Orlando Magic 116-114 in overtime Sunday night.
Down by 17 points in the first half and trailing by 10 in the fourth quarter, the Sixers were behind 113-109 with 1:25 left in OT.
James Harden hit one of two free throws with 6.7 seconds left in overtime to give Philadelphia a two-point lead. Cole Anthony missed a three-pointer at the horn for Orlando.
Anthony's three three-pointers had put the Magic ahead in the final minutes.
Harden finished with 26 points and Tobias Harris added 25 for the 76ers.
Wendell Carter Jr. led Orlando with 23 points and 12 rebounds.
Embiid set up Tyrese Maxey for a three-pointer just before the fourth-quarter buzzer, but Maxey missed. Embiid missed two foul shots with 1:39 left after making his first 15 free throws of the game.
The Magic led 57-40 late in the first half, in which the 76ers shot 33 per cent. A 10-footer by Georges Niang and free throws by Harden and Embiid helped reduce Orlando's lead to 12 at halftime.
The 76ers opened the second half on a 13-3 run with the help of three-pointers by Maxey, Harden and Harris.
The Magic went without a field goal for nearly seven minutes of the third quarter, but Markelle Fultz capped a Magic bench rally with a couple of assists and a three-pointer of his own for a 10-point lead with 10:03 left.
Harden responded with four free throws and Niang hit two three-pointers to get the 76ers back in it. Embiid made a three-pointer to put Philadelphia up 101-98, its first lead since the first quarter.
TIP-INS
76ers: The 76ers held Orlando without a field goal for the final 3:50 of regulation. . . . F Danny Green missed a third straight game with a finger laceration.
Magic: The Magic have lost eight straight to Philadelphia, including all four meetings this season. . . .. Mo Bamba, who had 27 points and 12 rebounds Friday night in a win over Minnesota, did not score in the first half.
UP NEXT
76ers: Play at home against Denver on Monday night.
Magic: Play at home against Brooklyn on Tuesday night.
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Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid (21) goes up for a dunk past Orlando Magic’s Jalen Suggs (4) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Tensions between the two sides came to a head during the 2020-2021 NBA season. In a game between the 76ers and the Magic, Embiid and Magic player Mo Bamba got into a heated altercation. The incident escalated quickly, with both players having to be separated by their teammates and the referees. This incident further fueled the growing rivalry between the two players. The rivalry between Embiid and the Magic is not just limited to on-court altercations. There has been a constant back-and-forth between the two sides in the media as well. Embiid has made numerous statements about the Magic, often trash-talking them and questioning their ability to compete against the 76ers. These statements have not gone unnoticed by the Magic players, who have fired back with their own comments. The rivalry between Joel Embiid and the Orlando Magic is fueled by intense competition and a long history of on-court battles. Both sides have a strong desire to come out on top, resulting in heated altercations and fiery exchanges in the media. As long as these two teams continue to face off, the rivalry will be sure to continue..
Reviews for "The Embiid-Magic Showdown: Analyzing Key Matchups and Strategies"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I personally didn't enjoy the "Embiid vs Orlando Magic" rivalry at all. It seemed forced and lacking any real substance. The games between these teams were often lopsided, with Embiid dominating the Magic players. It didn't feel like a true rivalry, but more like a one-sided show for Embiid to display his skills. I found it predictable and repetitive, and it didn't hold my interest for long.
2. Sarah - 3/5 stars - In my opinion, the "Embiid vs Orlando Magic" rivalry was overhyped. While Embiid is undoubtedly a talented player, the games between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Orlando Magic didn't live up to the expectations. The outcome was almost always predictable, with Embiid's team coming out on top. It lacked the intensity and back-and-forth competition that makes a rivalry exciting. Overall, I was left wanting more from this supposed rivalry.
3. Mike - 2/5 stars - The so-called "Embiid vs Orlando Magic" rivalry lacked the necessary competitiveness to be considered a true rivalry. The games felt one-sided, with Embiid consistently outperforming the Magic players. It became boring to watch after a while, as the outcome was almost a given. There wasn't enough competition or unpredictability to keep me engaged. I was left underwhelmed by this supposed rivalry.