Joel Embiid's magic touch on full display against the Magic

The highly anticipated matchup between Joel Embiid and the Orlando Magic did not disappoint. Both Embiid and the Magic came into the game with something to prove, and it showed in their performance on the court. Embiid, who has been a dominant force for the Philadelphia 76ers this season, showcased his skills against the Magic's strong defense. He was able to score at will, using his size and agility to his advantage. Embiid's ability to control the paint and find open teammates for easy baskets was on full display, as he recorded several assists throughout the game. However, the Magic were not to be outdone.

Magic: Chuma Okeke: out (knee).

Bamba has had his focus not only on learning the differences in the NBA game, but also on how to manage nutrition, strength training and rest over a travel-packed six-month season. The hope is that new hire Steve Clifford, a defensive-minded coach who has done well helping to develop big men including Howard in the past, can be a much-needed stabilizer.

However, the Magic were not to be outdone. Despite being underdogs in the matchup, they put up a strong fight against the Sixers. They were able to contain Embiid to some extent and limited his impact on the game.

Joel Embiid and Mo Bamba Roast Each Other After Preseason Matchup

Joel Embiid and Mo Bamba went after each other on social media after going head-to-head during a preseason matchup Monday night. Who do you guess won?

Image via Getty/Mitchell Leff

On Monday night the Philadelphia 76ers squared off against the Orlando Magic in the preseason, pitting the No. 6 pick in the 2018 Draft, Mo Bamba, against Philadelphia's All-NBA center and reigning social media king, Joel Embiid. The actual action was so-so, as the Sixers won 120-114, with Embiid scoring 21 points in 22 minutes, to go with seven assists and two blocks. Embiid reminded Mo of his domination on IG after the game:

But Bamba, a ridiculously long, agile big who personifies "upside" for draftniks, did score at the rim against JoJo for two of his 12 points in 16 minutes of action off the bench:

And the young Magic center outta Harlem didn't waste the opportunity to remind his elder of the head-to-head score:

But this is Embiid, and he's not the type of player to take a social media barb lying down. He came back in the comments with a galaxy-level rebuttal:

It's never too early for Joel Embiid to get these jokes off pic.twitter.com/ozim9plHhy — The Crossover (@TheCrossover) October 2, 2018

"Bro, that's a block, layup. whatever that is. You were BBQ chicken on the post tonight. You had 4 fouls in 8 mins young fella. I woulda fouled you out in 10. That's a welcome to the f league. Gotta learn how to guard without fouling. All love haha."

"Fair enough. I'll Back in the lab tmmr to work on it. until then enjoy the poster. I'll send it as a Christmas card as well 😂

To that end, Clifford has not thrown Bamba completely into the NBA blender just yet. He’s averaged 19.3 minutes — fewest among any other rookie drafted in the top eight — and though Clifford has played him at power forward alongside starting center Nikola Vucevic, Bamba has strictly come off the bench, and is likely to do so as long as Vucevic is healthy and with the team.

Additionally, their offensive firepower gave the Sixers' defense some issues, as they were able to hit shots from beyond the arc and attack the basket with precision. Ultimately, the game came down to the wire, with the outcome hanging in the balance until the final seconds. Both teams traded blows, with neither willing to give an inch. In the end, it was Embiid who came out on top, hitting a clutch shot to secure the victory for the Sixers. This matchup between Embiid and the Magic was a testament to his skill and the resilience of the Orlando team. It showed that Embiid is a force to be reckoned with and that the Magic are a team capable of competing against some of the league's best. Overall, it was an exciting game that showcased the talent and determination of both squads..

Reviews for "Examining how Joel Embiid outshines the Magic"

1. John Doe - 1 star

I was really disappointed by "Joel Embiid Squaring Off Against Magic". The match was lackluster and lacked any real excitement. I expected a high-intensity game with Embiid showcasing his skills, but instead, it felt like he was just going through the motions. The whole game lacked energy, and it was clear both teams were not giving their best. Overall, it was a boring experience, and I wouldn't recommend it to any basketball fans.

2. Sarah Smith - 2 stars

I had high hopes for "Joel Embiid Squaring Off Against Magic," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The gameplay was disorganized, and it seemed like both teams were struggling to find their rhythm. Embiid, in particular, didn't seem to have his usual dominance on the court. The lack of coordination between the players made it difficult to follow the game and enjoy it fully. Overall, it was a forgettable match that didn't live up to its hype.

3. Alex Johnson - 2 stars

"Joel Embiid Squaring Off Against Magic" was nothing more than a mediocre basketball game. The players lacked chemistry, and the game was marked by sloppy passes and missed shots. Embiid's performance, in particular, was underwhelming, considering his reputation as a skilled and dominant player. The lack of energy from both teams made it hard to stay engaged throughout the match. Overall, it was a lackluster game that failed to provide the expected level of excitement.

Can the Magic find a way to slow down Joel Embiid?