Fear and desperation led to Nike’s iconic Barkley ad

Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid left his team’s victory over the Orlando Magic towards the end of the first half. Embiid landed awkwardly and seemed to be having issues with his previously injured left knee. He returned for the second half, but seemed to be laboring at different points.

Sixers head coach Nick Nurse confirmed postgame that Embiid did tweak his left knee, but was cleared to play in the second half. Nurse said Embiid will be reevaluated on Saturday. At that point a decision will be made if the reigning MVP can play in Philadelphia’s finale vs the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday.

The 76ers can still be anywhere from the No. 5 seed to the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference. Landing at No. 5 or No. 6 would put Philadelphia in the playoffs. Being No. 7 or No. 8 would see the Sixers in the Play-In Tournament.

Stephen Curry was ejected in the fourth quarter of the Golden State Warriors’ eventual 122-120 win over the Memphis Grizzlies when he threw his mouthpiece after what he thought was an ill-advised three-point attempt.

“It was a crucial time in the game, and the way that our season has gone, questions about a heightened sense of urgency … when you want something really bad … I reacted in a way that put myself out of the game and put the team in a tough place,” Curry said.

Curry has been ejected three times in his career and all have involved his mouthpiece.

Poole went on to make the game-winning layup.