Tag / philadelphia 76ers

by Alex Fischbein

Ben Simmons Returns Again! | TAF303

On episode 303 of The Atlantic Files, Ben Simmons finally returns to the court again after more issues with his back, Joel Embiid misses another game against Nikola Jokic in Denver, the Los Angeles Lakers are getting extreme favoritism from the refs, and the Golden State Warriors look at potential trade targets to get themselves back into title contention.

Ben Simmons has finally returned from his back issues and played his first game since November. He is on a minutes restriction but he still almost posted a triple-double against the Utah Jazz. How long will he remain on the court for the rest of the season and will his back issues keep him off of the court for most of his career?

Joel Embiid put on a masterclass in the first of two matchups against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. He was set to play in the rematch that took place in Denver but then was surprisingly downgraded to questionable and eventually was sidelined. He hasn’t played in Denver since 2019, so now fans think he’s scared and ducking Jokic. What happened to the regular season not meaning anything?

A stat has been found that proves the Los Angeles Lakers shoot the most free throws out of any team in the NBA. Not only that, but they have the biggest difference in total free throw attempts compared to their opponents. Something seems a bit fishy here, but the Lakers aren’t even turning it into wins. So, should we all be mad about it?

Finally, the Golden State Warriors are trying to salvage something out of this season after they found themselves in 12th place in the West after half of the season has gone by. The question is who they should be trading away and if it’s worth trading for what’s out there right now. We dive into some options they have and whether or not they should even mortgage their future before the trade deadline.

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:45 WWE Royal Rumble thoughts
00:15:09 Ben Simmons first game back against Utah Jazz
00:29:46 Golden State Warriors trade targets before the deadline
00:40:59 Is Joel Embiid ducking Nikola Jokic
00:46:25 Lakers getting way more Free Throws
00:54:21 Outro and final thoughts

by Alex Fischbein

Doc Rivers Coming Back To Haunt Us | TAF302

On episode 302 of The Atlantic Files, Doc Rivers reportedly is the leading candidate to take over the Milwaukee Bucks head coaching vacancy after Adrian Griffin was fired, Terry Rozier was traded to the Miami Heat for Kyle Lowry, Joel Embiid asserts his dominance over Nikola Jokic and the NBA, and is trouble brewing for the first-seed Minnesota Timberwolves?

In the biggest news going around the NBA, Doc Rivers is returning to the NBA sidelines as a coach instead of a commentator. It didn’t take too long for him to get the itch to coach again as the Milwaukee Bucks fired Adrian Griffin after the team started the season with a 30-13 record. Rivers was reportedly helping out in a consulting format, but that will lead to an actual coaching job now.

The other biggest news is probably that Terry Rozier has finally escaped the Charlotte Hornets and was traded to the Miami Heat for a first-round pick and Kyle Lowry. Rozier brings a scoring point guard who can actually get out on the floor without being on the injury report 24/7. Hopefully, the rest of the team can now stay on the floor.

Joel Embiid had quite the week. He destroyed Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, then went on to become the ninth player in NBA history to drop 70 points in a game. If he wasn’t the leader for MVP before, he’s definitely at the top of the ladder for every outlet now. This is Embiid’s world and we’re just living in it.

Finally, the Minnesota Timberwolves tried to get the ball to Karl-Anthony Towns on the same day that Embiid scored 70 so that he could beat his point total. The issue is that Towns only scored four points in the fourth quarter and the team ended up losing. Then, head coach Chris Finch ranted in the post-game press conference about the immature play from his star forward and the lack of defense from the team. Yikes!

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:36 Trip to South Carolina and NBA Threads
00:15:15 Terry Rozier traded to Miami Heat
00:30:39 Coach Finch rips the Minnesota Timberwolves
00:41:43 Doc Rivers takes Adrian Griffin’s job with Milwaukee Bucks
00:58:06 Joel Embiid vs Nikola Jokic
01:16:06 Final thoughts and outro

by Alex Fischbein

Pascal Siakam To The Indiana Pacers ft Dmitry Bergen Of Loose Ball Boys | TAF301

On episode 301 of The Atlantic Files, Dmitry Bergen of the Loose Ball Boys podcast joins the show! The Toronto Raptors have been in active talks with the Indiana Pacers surrounding a Pascal Siakam deal, the Washington Wizards dropped a player for allegedly stealing from Target, Erik Spoelstra signs a contract extension after divorce, and coaches going off on NBA referees.

First and foremost, we get to know Dmitry and how the Loose Ball Boys podcast first started. We also go over how he became a Brooklyn Nets fan and his love for basketball in general. Then we get into the real meat of his story by talking about favorite foods, Richard Jefferson encounters, and more.

The big basketball news is obviously Pascal Siakam getting traded from the Toronto Raptors to the Indiana Pacers. We go over how it changes the Pacers’ outlook for this season, especially since they had to give up Bruce Brown in the process. Three first-round picks are a lot for a guy who isn’t guaranteed to re-sign. Also, how is the Toronto Raptors rebuild going at this stage?

Then, we get into the weird news that starts with coaches ripping into NBA referees and huge disparities in free throws. A lot of the time it’s the bigger market team getting the calls and these coaches are absolutely sick of it. To be honest, we’re getting tired of it too!

Finally, Ryan Rollins was allegedly waived for stealing things from Target on multiple occasions. It allegedly was even the same exact Target every time. Then, at the opposite end of the spectrum, there’s Erik Spoelstra getting a contract extension right after his divorce was finalized. That’s Heat culture right there!

FOLLOW THE LOOSE BALL BOYS!
https://www.youtube.com/@looseballboys
https://www.threads.net/@looseballboys
https://open.spotify.com/show/6WMG7LjdCmc0p5Y8KgnDfd
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/loose-ball-boys/id1669640653?ign-itscg=30200&ign-itsct=lt_p

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:03:23 Dmitry Bergen on his Nets fandom and start of Loose Ball Boys
00:14:00 Russian women, Threads, and fast food
00:37:45 Pascal Siakam traded to the Indiana Pacers
01:04:57 NBA Coaches disagreeing with refs
01:13:19 Ryan Rollins waived for allegedly stealing?!
01:21:25 Erik Spoelstra finalizes contract after divorce
01:30:24 Random closing thoughts and outro

by Alex Fischbein

OG Anunoby, RJ Barrett, and The Knicks ft Scott “The King” Engel | TAF300

On episode 300 of The Atlantic Files, we’re joined by a special guest, Scott “The King” Engel. He’s an FSWA Hall of Famer, Senior Writer at The Game Day and RotoBaller, Fantasy Writer for seahawks.com, and a Sirius XM Fantasy Sports Radio host. We talk about OG Anunoby moving to the New York Knicks for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, the Memphis Grizzlies’ plan with Ja Morant out, the Philadelphia 76ers with Joel Embiid’s injuries, and the initial 2024 NBA All-Star voting returns.

Scott Engel has been in the fantasy sports writing business for over 20 years and is one of the industry’s pioneers. We go over how he got into journalism, his favorite athletes of all time, and how he began playing fantasy sports. Engel gives a lot of great nuggets of information and talks about some of the people he’s met along the way.

Then, we got into the OG Anunoby trade and how he’s fared with the New York Knicks so far. Anunoby has been a great fit and the team has gone undefeated since he joined the starting lineup. Do the Knicks need to make any more moves to be serious title contenders?

On the flip side, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley joined the Toronto Raptors and took another step in their young careers. Is this the best place for their development? Also, we talk about a potential Pascal Siakam trade and how the Raptors will go about building for the future with Scottie Barnes.

Finally, we go over the initial voting returns for the 2024 NBA All-Star game. We talk about those who have been snubbed, some surprise names, and why fans can’t ever get it fully correct when it comes to voting the right guys into the game. Also, are there any good All-Star games anymore in any of the major sports?

Check out Scott Engel’s work!
The Gameday – https://thegameday.com/author/scott-engel/
RotoBaller – https://www.rotoballer.com/author/scottetheking
Seahawks.com – https://www.seahawks.com/news/fantasy-insider/

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:58 Scott “The King” Engel joins the show
00:11:49 Scott Engel talks New York Mets and baseball fandom
00:15:33 Dr. Pepper Zero vs Coke Zero and favorite food
00:25:50 OG Anunoby and the New York Knicks
00:49:49 RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and the Toronto Raptors future
01:03:28 2024 NBA All-Star voting returns
01:12:41 Closing thoughts

by Alex Fischbein

NBA Christmas Reactions, Jalen Brunson The 1A | TAF299

On episode 299 of The Atlantic Files, we react to the NBA Christmas day games, give our thoughts on Becky Hammon saying Jalen Brunson is too small to be a 1A, Kevin Durant expressing frustration with the Phoenix Suns health and role players, and the Detroit Pistons losing streak.

Becky Hammon was on ESPN as their panel talked about the New York Knicks and whether or not they can seriously compete for the NBA Finals. She said they didn’t have that 1A player and explained that Jalen Brunson is a great player but he’s too small to be a 1A. Does she make any good points there or is Brunson a lot better than she gives credit?

The 2023 NBA Christmas Day games gave a mixed bag of entertainment while some superstars didn’t even play and others gave us the performance of a lifetime. Dennis and Alex give their thoughts on the outcomes of each game and whether or not these are signs of things to come for the rest of the season.

Speaking of Christmas games, Kevin Durant is apparently now getting frustrated with the health of his new big three and the talent of the supporting cast. No one is really sure what else he expected when the team went out and got Bradley Beal and traded all of their assets to get him and Beal in the first place. Does anyone actually feel bad for him as well?

Finally, the Detroit Pistons made history for the wrong reasons. They’re now the owners of the longest losing streak in a single NBA season and they could potentially add on to that streak. Is this team actually that bad or are they just hitting some really bad luck?

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro and Christmas movies
00:18:43 The Detroit Pistons historic losing streak
00:43:25 Becky Hammon’s comments about Jalen Brunson
01:00:22 2023 NBA Christmas game reactions
01:15:28 Kevin Durant upset in Phoenix
01:32:13 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

Ja Morant Returns, Steve Kerr On Hot Seat | TAF298

On episode 298 of The Atlantic Files, Ja Morant returns after his 25-game suspension, we discuss if Steve Kerr should be on the hot seat while watching the Golden State Warriors crumble, we give an update on the state of the Atlantic Division, and Giannis Antetokounmpo ready to fight over a game ball.

Ja Morant has finally returned to the court after his 25-game suspension for multiple gun-related incidents. Right now, the Memphis Grizzlies are one of the worst teams in the league record-wise. We discuss whether or not Morant’s return is a little too late for them to get in the top six, or if they have a shot at making some noise come playoff time.

The Golden State Warriors have been in shambles for the most part this season. They haven’t sunk to the bottom of the West, but Draymond Green has been suspended indefinitely and both Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins have seemed to forget how to play basketball. Is this going to put Steve Kerr on the hot seat or has he been so good for so long that he has a lot of slack before they think about replacing him?

Giannis Antetokounmpo once got into a fight with Montrezl Harrell over a ladder and that seemed like it was going to be the most ridiculous argument he would get into. Then came the game ball discussion after Antetokounmpo scored the franchise record for most points in a single game. He was ready to sprint into the Indiana Pacers locker room just to fight someone to get his game ball back. What is going on in the NBA?!

Last but not least, we check in on the Atlantic Division and give some updates to each team. The Boston Celtics look primed to win the division again but where does everyone else fall? Do the Brooklyn Nets just need to bring in one big-time star or do they need a series of moves?

Subscribe to the podcast HERE.

Timecodes:
00:00 Intro
06:11 Steve Kerr on the hot seat
17:57 Giannis Antetokounmpo gets mad over the game ball
21:51 Ja Morant is back shooting game winners
37:39 Atlantic division update
46:34 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

Draymond Green Strikes Again | TAF297

On episode 297 of The Atlantic Files, Draymond Green gets ejected yet again for hitting someone, the Los Angeles Lakers are the first champions of the in-season tournament, Patrick Beverley asking the real questions on ESPN, and more ejections across the league.

Draymond Green threw his limbs all over the place, yet again, and was ejected after hitting Jusuf Nurkic in the face. He says that it wasn’t on purpose which is why he apologized, but at this rate, there’s no benefit of the doubt. Green has hit enough opposing players to believe that this was no accident by any means. So, does he deserve the indefinite suspension that he received?

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have officially won the inaugural in-season tournament championship. We’re going to call it the NBA Cup because it’s a lot easier to say. Either way, some have asked if it was fixed to get the Lakers as the very first champion. Now the debate is whether or not the IST ring counts towards a player’s resume and if teams should raise banners.

Even though Green deserved to be ejected, there have been a ton of ejections this season and the number keeps increasing. Players are getting thrown out just for disagreeing with foul calls instead of actual hard fouls or wrongdoing. If this trend continues, fans are going to get more and more upset with referees which is something the league does not want.

Finally, Patrick Beverley went on ESPN during the in-season tournament finals and had a conversation with Kevin Hart that ruffled some feathers. He asked about the Josh Giddey news and demanded some answers and opinions instead of political correctness. It was a great move and he’s now become famous for drinking a victory beer after every win.

Timecodes:
00:00 Intro
03:12 LeBron and the Lakers win the In-Season Tournament
15:30 Draymond Green strikes again
24:10 Ejections run rampant in the NBA
39:53 Patrick Beverley gets kicked off of ESPN
47:13 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

Josh Giddey Rumors, Jordan Poole, Scott Foster’s Feud With Chris Paul | TAF295

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1k0UIQr0VaYupSo4bPtCQE

On this week’s episode of The Atlantic Files, Josh Giddey finds himself in troublesome rumors, Jordan Poole becomes a Shaqtin a fool MVP and Kevin Garnett says he doesn’t belong in the league, Scott Foster and Chris Paul’s feud adds a new chapter, and more!

Josh Giddey is currently under investigation by the NBA and the Newport California police department for allegations of an underage relationship. Obviously, this is nothing to take lightly especially because it could affect Giddey’s career and life outside of basketball. There’s still information coming out about the saga, so we give some thoughts on the matter.

Jordan Poole has been the center of a few memes so far this season. He probably will be the center of many more if he continues to play the way he’s been playing lately. So, what exactly is happening with him and the Washington Wizards? Are they going to finally turn a corner at some point?

Chris Paul was kicked out of yet another game due to a feud with Scott Foster which continues one of the craziest battles between a player and a ref. Apparently, there was a meeting about it and Paul even said that Foster brought his son into the mix. That’s a serious comment and this feud may never end!

Finally, we check in with the Atlantic Division and go over how the teams are doing thus far. The Boston Celtics are at the top and they’re doing exactly what we thought they would!

SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss a new episode!

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:26 Thanksgiving leftovers debate
00:14:06 Atlantic Division check-in
00:33:08 Jordan Poole is doing stuff
00:42:16 Josh Giddey has some troubling allegations
00:56:52 Scott Foster and Chris Paul’s feud
01:05:18 Mark Cuban Selling a majority stake of the Mavericks
01:09:18 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

Zach LaVine On The Block, NBA Officiating Off The Rails | TAF294

On episode 293 of The Atlantic Files, Zach LaVine and the Chicago Bulls both have an interest in finding a trade partner for the All-Star guard, NBA Officiating seems to be going off the rails as more techs are handed out and more people are aggravated, James Harden gets obliterated by a Mavs broadcaster, Kelly Oubre Jr. has a scary situation, Zion Williamson doesn’t seem happy in New Orleans, and Jordan Poole is finding out quickly that Washington is not Golden State!

The Chicago Bulls and Zach LaVine are reportedly talking to teams about potential deals to move the All-Star guard to a new team. It’s unclear whether or not this is the start of a full rebuild, but the two sides have a mutual understanding that LaVine is now firmly on the trade block. We take a look at who should make a deal for him.

NBA Officiating has been the topic of many discussions in post-game press conferences, social media, and much more so far this season. There have been game-changing calls, ejections out of nowhere, and even more questionable events that have caused even coaches to say things and get fined for talking about the refs. Is it especially bad this year or just par for the course?

Kelly Oubre Jr. unfortunately experienced a terrifying situation when he was hit by a car as he was just a pedestrian walking around his residence. The good thing is that his injuries are not as severe as originally expected, but after such a hot start, he’ll now be out for a while to heal from broken ribs and other injuries.

Speaking of players that may be on the trade block, Zion Williamson seemed very unhappy with his situation in New Orleans during a post-game press conference. Also, Jordan Poole is finding out very quickly that the Washington Wizards are nothing like the Golden State Warriors and it might be pretty difficult to be the best player on a team.

Finally, we also take a look at the epic rant from a Dallas Mavericks broadcaster that was aimed at James Harden and everything he’s done since leaving Houston.

SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss a new episode!

Timecodes:
00:00 Intro
07:26 James Harden gets roasted
21:43 Zach LaVine on the trade block
30:33 Zion Williamson unhappy in New Orleans?
38:54 NBA Officiating is off the rails
47:40 Jordan Poole and the Wizards are awful
50:41 Outro

by Alex Fischbein

James Harden Unleashed & The Wemby and Holmgren Show | TAF293

On episode 293 of The Atlantic Files, James Harden says he was on a leash in Philadelphia and he isn’t a system player, Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren are putting on a show, two Atlantic division teams are at the top of the East while the others have shown a mixed bag, and the Milwaukee Bucks haven’t been as good as expected so far.

James Harden did his first press conference since joining the Los Angeles Clippers and he talks about how he was on a leash in Philadelphia and that he needs a coach that he can trust who will also trust him. This is news to all of us, including Joel Embiid who was confused by his comments and said that they gave him the ball on every possession. Make this drama make sense, please!

Damian Lillard and the Milwaukee Bucks have yet to show their full potential after suffering a couple of bad losses in the early going of this season. Inefficient shooting, poor defense, and ejections have caused the team to look like they regressed from last year. Is this team actually as much of a title contender as everyone thought or did they ship out too much of their depth to be as good as they used to be?

Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren have been garnering all the hype for quite a while now. Deservedly so, these two rookies have lived up to all of the expectations and then some! Both of them have turned into must-see TV and have raised the level of each of their teams. This race for Rookie of the Year may be one of the closest in a long time!

Finally, we take a look at the Atlantic Division so far and how they’ve fared over the first few weeks of the season. The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers are at the top of the division and the conference while the other three are all next to each other in play-in territory. This is shaping up to be a fun year!

SUBSCRIBE to Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss a new episode!

Timecodes:
00:00:00 Intro
00:06:07 James Harden on a leash?!
00:29:42 Damian Lillard and the Milwaukee Bucks
00:44:30 Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren are awesome
00:56:22 The Atlantic Division so far
01:09:31 Outro