Joel Embiid has decreased his social media trash talking this season, which he says is a sign of how he's matured.

"I don't even remember the last time I really posted anything on social media," said Embiid. "I've been really busy with my girlfriend, just hanging out with her."

Embiid had an impressive performance on Thursday against fellow center Rudy Gobert.

"Oh, I love playing against guys like him. Defensive Player of the Year, I guess."

Embiid made air quotes when mentioning Gobert's award.

"I should have gotten that title."

When asked about last year's Rookie of the Year race against Donovan Mitchell, Ben Simmons responded that “it wasn’t a [expletive] race".

“You saw the votes, right?…Did you see the votes? So what’s the question?” 

Simmons was responding to a controversy that last year was technically his second season in the league and thus shouldn't have been eligible for the award. He sat out the entirety of what would have been his rookie season with a foot injury.

Simmons received 90 out of 101 first-place votes in the race. He was booed throughout the game. 

“How do I feel about it? I don’t give a [expletive]. Honestly, I don’t. I’m not worried about outside noise, I’m not worried about anything in terms of fans, media, you guys asking these question. [I don’t care what anyone says] besides my teammates and my coaches, everyone in this locker room," said Simmons. 

The agent for Markelle Fultz expects him to return to the Philadelphia 76ers again this season as he's making progress in his rehabilitation.

"We want to make sure he's 100 percent and healthy when he does come back," Brothers told ESPN on Tuesday.

Fultz has been regaining strength and mobility in his right shoulder.

Elton Brand told reporters Saturday that he was unsure about a potential return for Fultz this season and expected an update in a few weeks.

Brothers informed the Sixers on Nov. 21 that Fultz would seek further opinions on his shoulder before a return to the court.

Joel Embiid made it clear that he prefers to operate near the basket rather than take three-pointers.

"I don't like shooting 3s," Embiid said. "I only do it because of the spacing that we have, and sometimes I have to take them. I have to be on the perimeter, just getting guys open, because of all the attention that sometimes it seems are presented to me.

"I don't like shooting 3s. I only do it because I got to make it work, but the last couple games, mainly the last two games, my mindset has been, if I'm on the perimeter, it doesn't mean that I have to shoot 3s. Even if I'm wide open, I think I had a couple of opportunities tonight and last game against the [New York] Knicks where I could've shot it, but I took one dribble and I took a midway shot.

"That's what I'm comfortable with, and it's working."

The Philadelphia 76ers are unsure if Markelle Fultz will play again this season.

Fultz was diagnosed this month with thoracic outlet syndrome and is doing physical therapy in Los Angeles.

Brand said it was "to be determined" if Fultz will play again this season.

"I can't say right now," Brand said.

Fultz's shooting form, particularly from the free throw line, has been scrutinized. 

Wilson Chandler will miss at least one game with a left quad contusion. It's unknown when the specific injury occurred, although Chandler did have the same injury earlier this month.

Chandler is averaging a career-low 6.3 points with 4.9 rebounds in 25.5 minutes this season.

He will be replaced in the lineup by Mike Muscala. 

Sixers' ownership want a first-round pick - and not a low one - in return for Markelle Fultz.

Conflicted on whether the team should cut their losses with Fultz or hope he figures out his struggles, Sixers executives "view [Fultz] becoming a star for another team worse than him remaining a Sixer and continuing to struggle", and they would have to "look at themselves in the mirror" if Fultz does become a star after he gets traded.

Executives around the league believe that the Sixers will lower their demands as the trade deadline approaches.

The Sixers are also said to be waiting until teams begin to get eliminated from the playoff race to engage in trade talks for Fultz. They are also looking to take back players in the final year of their contract to give them cap room to re-sign Jimmy Butler and another top free agent this summer. 

Fultz hasn't played since November 19th. He is averaging 8.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 19 games this season. 

The Philadelphia 76ers have rejected multiple trade offers for Markelle Fultz.

Fultz's future with the 76ers remains uncertain as he deals with thoracic outlet syndrome. Fultz has started rehabilitation in Los Angeles with physical therapist Judy Seto. 

The 76ers have yet receive any offers for Fultz that represent equal value in their estimation.

Some close to Fultz believe his issues are more than physical.

The Detroit Pistons have interest in trading for Markelle Fultz.

Fultz is currently out with thoracic outlet syndrome.

The Pistons would have to shed salary to take on Fultz’s $8.3 million to avoid luxury tax concerns.

Liberty Ballers also reported Detroit's interest in Fultz, along with the Orlando Magic.

Jimmy Butler underwent an MRI on his injured groin, which showed no structural damage.

Butler is doubtful for Wednesday's game against the Nets.