It was a rare night off for Philly sports. No pro or college teams were in action.

We could discuss more about the Eagles and their struggle of a win over the Raiders.

But we’ll kick things off with the Sixers, specifically Joel Embiid and his bid to be an All-Star starter this year.

Last year, he was third in Eastern Conference frontcourt fan voting behind LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo, but got passed up for Jimmy Butler. That was fine, because many thought he would be a reserve in the game.

That didn’t happen, and he got passed up for… Paul Millsap. He wasn’t happy about that, and neither were fans.

This year is much different. He’s the healthiest he’s ever been, even if he still isn’t playing both games of a back-to-back. His averages in points, assists, and rebounds are slightly up, and he’s got other help on the court in the likes of Ben Simmons and JJ Redick (when he’s not shooting bricks).

His 46-point performance against the Lakers in LA this year is just a sample of why he should be a starter. He’s the best center in the East.

The Twitter voting campaign began on Monday, and it lasts until January 15. He hasn’t tweeted anything himself yet, but we’re all expecting something soon.

The Sixers play the Trail Blazers in Portland tomorrow night on TNT.

The Roundup:

Doug Pederson had his day after press conference after Monday night’s 19-10 win. He still hasn’t decided if the starters will play yet in week 17:

“It’s going to be day-to-day, quite honestly,” Pederson said. “Obviously, injuries play a factor in that. You’re only limited to 46 and you can only put seven guys down. So if you do the math, some of your starters will have to play.”

Is Dannell Ellerbe the new starting middle linebacker?

There’s also a chance Sidney Jones plays Sunday, but that’s uncertain as well.

How should we feel about the not so dominating win over the Raiders?

Kevin’s got your ten takeaways from the game, starting things off with a tweaked Billy Madison quote.

After running away from a fumble, Chris Long apologized on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/JOEL9ONE/status/945543966862331910

https://twitter.com/JOEL9ONE/status/945544021849661441

Keep him here forever.

The Flyers activated goalie Michal Neuvirth off IR and sent Alex Lyon back to Lehigh Valley. They’ll play tomorrow night against the Panthers.

Four prospects are participating in the World Junior Championships that began yesterday in Buffalo.

In college hoops tonight, Penn will host Delaware State at 7 PM, while No. 1 Villanova will play DePaul in Chicago in their Big East opener on CBS Sports Network.

In other sports news, what a finish in Phoenix:

That’s somehow legal. Nice job by Suns coach Jay Triano knowing that.

In an interview with Bob Wischusen on The Michael Kay Show, Giants safety Landon Collins called cornerback Eli Apple “a cancer.”

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich explains why charity work is important to him:

“Because we’re rich as hell, and we don’t need it all, and other people need it,” Popovich said. “Then, you’re an ass if you don’t give it. Pretty simple.”

Astros first base coach Rich Dauer almost died during the team’s World Series parade.

Former Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Johnny Bower passed away at the age of 93.

In the news, a person was ejected from their car after a crash on I-295.

Erie got a ton of snow in two days.

A tough night for Chrissy Teigen:

https://twitter.com/JensenClan88/status/945836935259418624