Bill Simmons Criticizes 76ers’ Joel Embiid for ‘Ludicrous’ Foul Calls
The Philadelphia 76ers faced off against the Boston Celtics on Friday night in their second meeting of the season. Previously, Philadelphia secured a narrow win over Boston, 117-116, in their season opener. This time, the 76ers aimed to maintain their perfect start in the NBA Cup action. However, they fell short, losing 109-108. Joel Embiid, the 76ers’ star player, missed a crucial three-point attempt at the end of the game.
Embiid’s Performance and Controversial Foul Calls
Joel Embiid, who has been under a minutes restriction due to ongoing knee issues, still managed to score 20 points in the loss. Despite his productive performance, his style of play has drawn criticism. Bill Simmons, a prominent Boston sports fan, called out Embiid for what he described as “ludicrous” foul calls. Simmons commented, “Nobody gets more ludicrous calls than Embiid – literally no one.” He remarked on Embiid’s history of drawing fouls and suggested that the player often exaggerates contact.
Game Highlights
- Final Score: 76ers 108, Celtics 109
- Embiid’s Scoring: 20 points
- Free Throws: 7 attempts, 100% successful
- Key Moment: Embiid missed a game-winning shot
While Simmons’s comments highlighted the ongoing debate around officiating in the league, Embiid’s ability to draw fouls remains a pivotal part of his game. Although he hasn’t returned to his peak form, he continues to attract defensive attention. His experience and skill keep him a formidable offensive threat.
76ers Looking to Bounce Back
The 76ers entered the 2025-26 season with questions about Embiid’s health and the impact of Paul George’s recent knee surgery. However, young talents like Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and Quentin Grimes have shown impressive performances early in the season. The combination of Maxey and Edgecombe has been particularly exciting for fans.
As the 76ers look forward, they have a chance to rebound in their next game against the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday. With Embiid targeting peak performance and George set to return soon, there’s potential for significant improvement in the team’s chemistry and overall performance as the season progresses.
