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In Philadelphia tonight, Joel Embiid reminded everyone he does not share space quietly. With just over a minute left in the first half against the Pistons, Embiid got into a full shoving match with Detroit forward Tolu Smith, earning himself a technical foul. The Sixers were already navigating a chippy game, and Big Joel turning up the heat before halftime is exactly the kind of spark that can swing momentum either way.
Shifting to college football, Miami entered the playoff rankings at number one, but the Hurricanes are heading into South Bend without one of their key weapons. Wide receiver Malachi Toney is out for Saturday's showdown against Notre Dame after undergoing ankle surgery. That is a significant blow for a Miami offense that cannot afford any cracks against an Irish team desperately fighting to keep its own playoff hopes alive.
And up in East Lansing, Michigan State's bye week did not deliver the healing the Spartans needed. Quarterback Alessio Milivojevic remains questionable heading into Saturday's rivalry game at Michigan, and running back Jaziun Patterson is still out. Going into Ann Arbor already banged up is about as tough a spot as a team can find itself.
That's your play-by-play. Sports Desk, back to the booth.
