One of our very own friends here at ESPN is trolling us when it comes to mock draft season. Plus, Fitz gives out his mid-season NBA awards and biggest disappointments. We're also trying to win you some money on a big betting weekend.
Let's spotlight a fully realized version of Joel Embiid, Bradley Beal embracing his Melo-mode and some LaMelo Ball brilliance.
Kobe vs. Shaq? Wade vs. Baby Jordan? Howard vs. Gordon? Who holds the all-time dunk crown for each NBA team?
With the Defensive Player of the Year award in his sights, Joel Embiid didn't play scared against the favorite for that hardware -- Rudy Gobert -- on Wednesday, leading the Sixers on both ends of the court in a 131-123 win against the Jazz.
All-Star teammates Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert took aim after Wednesday night's overtime loss at how games for their NBA-leading Jazz squad are officiated.
Sixers star Joel Embiid did it all in stunning the Jazz, and James Harden's return to Houston went as expected in an eventful night in the NBA.
— Joel Embiid had 40 points and 19 rebounds and hit a tying 3-pointer late in regulation, and Tobias Harris scored 11 of his 22 points in overtime to lead the Philadelphia 76ers past the Utah Jazz 131-123 in a matchup of the NBA's top two teams.
A quiet trade deadline? Not if our insiders were running things. Here are the moves we think NBA teams should make this month.
— Shake Milton scored 26 points, Furkan Korkmaz had 19 and the reserves sparked the Philadelphia 76ers to 130-114 win over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night.
Who are the league's best as we approach the All-Star break? See where all 30 teams stand now.
| TEAM | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 24 | 12 | .667 | - | W2 |
| Brooklyn | 24 | 13 | .649 | 0.5 | W2 |
| Boston | 19 | 17 | .528 | 5 | W4 |
| New York | 19 | 18 | .514 | 5.5 | W1 |
| Toronto | 17 | 19 | .472 | 7 | L2 |
| RD(PK) | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1(21) | Tyrese Maxey | SG | Kentucky |
| 2(4) | Theo Maledon | PG | |
| 2(6) | Tyler Bey | PF | Colorado |
| 2(19) | Isaiah Joe | SG | Arkansas |
| 2(28) | Paul Reed | PF | DePaul |
| YEAR | W | L | PCT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | 24 | 12 | .667 |
| 2019-20 | 43 | 30 | .589 |
| 2018-19 | 51 | 31 | .622 |
| 2017-18 | 52 | 30 | .634 |
| 2016-17 | 28 | 54 | .341 |
