NBA News: November 2nd

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Here are the latest highlights in the NBA for November 2nd, 2023

Harden’s Extended Absence Raises Questions for Sixers

Joel Embiid, the standout player for the Philadelphia 76ers, took to the court in the team’s home opener. Despite recently playing three games in four days, including an opening-night loss at Milwaukee and a victorious performance against Toronto, Embiid’s presence was almost uncertain. This decision was influenced by the NBA’s stricter rules regarding resting healthy players. The league is already investigating James Harden’s absence from the 76ers’ nationally televised season opener.

The league’s policy prevents teams from resting multiple star players or sitting healthy ones in nationally televised or in-season tournament games without prior approval. Coach Nick Nurse acknowledged that this load management policy has complicated decisions about playing or resting players like Embiid.

Embiid Gets the Nod for 76ers in Home Opener

Joel Embiid, the cornerstone of the Philadelphia 76ers, made a resolute appearance in the team’s home opener. This decision was significant, considering that he had recently played in three games within four days, including an opening-night loss in Milwaukee and a victorious performance against Toronto.

The idea of Embiid potentially sitting out was startling, especially for a home game, but the landscape of the NBA has changed with stricter rules concerning resting healthy players. This season, the league has strengthened its regulations in this regard.

The league is already investigating the reasons behind James Harden’s absence from the 76ers’ nationally televised season opener, further highlighting the importance of adhering to these rules.

The NBA‘s policy aims to prevent teams from resting multiple star players or sitting healthy ones in nationally televised games or in-season tournament matches without prior approval. This new policy has introduced complexities in the decision-making process regarding whether to play or rest players like Joel Embiid.

Father vs. Son: Bucks Coach Adrian Griffin Faces AJ Griffin and the Hawks

In a heartwarming NBA matchup, Milwaukee Bucks‘ rookie head coach, Adrian Griffin, found himself in a unique situation as he faced his son, AJ Griffin, a player for the Atlanta Hawks.

AJ Griffin, a second-year guard for the Hawks, has been contributing an average of 4.0 points in the team’s first two games of the season. The elder Griffin was visibly proud and expressed his excitement about witnessing his son’s journey in the NBA.

Adrian Griffin, who took the coaching reins from Mike Budenholzer, is no stranger to the world of professional basketball. He served as an assistant coach for the Toronto Raptors during his son’s rookie campaign. In that season, the Hawks emerged victorious in two out of three games in the season series, showcasing the competitive spirit of the Griffin family.

In a light-hearted and competitive note, Adrian Griffin shared that his son often engages in friendly trash talk. AJ Griffin had the upper hand last year when the Hawks secured a victory against the Bucks. However, Adrian hinted at having more support and firepower at his disposal this year, setting the stage for an unforgettable father-son showdown on the NBA court.

These moments on the basketball court, where a father faces his son as a head coach, are not only significant in terms of competition but also deeply meaningful as cherished memories for the Griffin family. The elder Griffin, like any proud parent, finds himself in awe as he witnesses his son pursuing his passion and dreams on the grand stage of the NBA.
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