Sixers Podcast: Joel Embiid injury update + Knicks Raptors trade

The Sixer Sense Podcast returns following a brief holiday hiatus and there is a lot to talk about! The Sixers have played four games without Joel Embiid are are 2-2 in those contests. How much of an effect does Embiid sitting on the bench have on this Sixers team?

First up, Jonathan Geib and Lucas Johnson talk about the Sixers versus Raptors game before Christmas. This was the last game Embiid played in 2023 and he dominated despite getting injured. Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Tobias Harris combined for a remarkable 97 points between the three of them. Can we expect this kind of production from Harris going forward?

Philly lost a brutal Christmas day game to the Miami Heat, missing Embiid for the Sixers and Jimmy Butler for the Heat. Staying in Miami, the team looked to adapt more to Embiid's absence in a strong win over the up-and-coming Orlando Magic. A nailbiter with the Houston Rockets followed, but the Sixers continued to grind out tough minutes without their MVP. Finally, in the last game of 2023, the Sixers likely suffered a schedule loss against the Chicago Bulls in a game many would like to forget. When will Embiid rejoin the Sixers to help steer the team back on track?

There was some big NBA news concerning the Eastern Conference as the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors completed a trade centered around OG Anunoby and RJ Barrett. Who do Jonathan and Lucas think won this trade? And does this deal change any part of the Eastern Conference playoff landscape this season?

Lastly, the guys discuss Maxey's growth through age 23 and compare it to a Sixer legend. Is it possible Maxey can have a similar trajectory to this icon? The podcast closes out with Around the NBA and there are some interesting storylines to discuss from the last couple of weeks.

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