I’m doing air quotes.” As part of the conversation, Kirk Goldsberry brought up Shaquille O’Neal, whose conditioning and weight were, like Embiid, often questioned and criticized. “This is what happens to big guys, so right now, what [Embiid] looked ...

After a nine-game absence due to injury, Joel Embiid finally returned to the court on Wednesday night. The Philadelphia 76ers faced off against the New York Knicks, hoping Embiid’s presence would spark a turnaround in their struggling season.

In New York, it’s a tough team to play,” said O’Neal. “But this was the fear I had for Joel Embiid. You announce arrogantly, I’m not playing back-to-backs, Ernie. I’m not injured but I’m sore.