Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers rookie center, continues to make the most of his opportunities. In doing so, he has helped the downtrodden Sixers fashion a modest home winning streak.Embiid scored 26 points, the highest total in his nine-game NBA career, to lead Philadelphia to a 120-105 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night, the Sixers third straight home victory.On Monday, he faces a sizable challenge when the Miami Heat, featuring NBA rebounding leader Hassan Whiteside, visits Philadelphia (3-10).Whiteside, who had 18 points, 18 boards and three blocked shots in the Heats 114-111 victory over the Washington Wizards on Saturday night, is averaging 17.7 points, 16.2 rebounds and 2.8 blocks for Miami (4-8).Embiid, the third overall pick in the 2014 draft, missed his first two seasons while recovering from a pair of foot surgeries. The team has been limiting him to 24 minutes a game as a precaution and will do so until at least Christmas. He has also been held out of four games to date.Embiid, who is averaging 22 minutes a game, nonetheless leads the Sixers in scoring (18.0) and rebounding (7.6).On Saturday, he poured in 17 points in the first quarter. Embiid told reporters afterward he was hoping to atone for the teams dismal performance on national television Thursday, a 110-86 loss at Minnesota.Thats just probably one of the main reasons I came out (on fire) in the first quarter, he told the Philadelphia Inquirer. I just wanted to dominate.Embiid added that he was further motivated by social media criticism about being outplayed by Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns. Towns had 25 points and 10 rebounds while Embiid finished with 10 points and 10 boards. Embiid didnt think the criticism was justified because Towns didnt guard him.That made me mad, Embiid told the Inquirer. And thats food for me. I like that. I like competition. I want to fight. I want to win. So tonight I think it helped me a little bit.Miami guard Goran Dragic scored 22 points against Washington on Saturday, as the Heat won back-to-back games for the first time this season. Miami, which dropped six straight prior to that, generated a season-high point total and made half its shots. The Heat was shooting 42 percent from the floor, third-worst in the NBA, entering the game.Much better, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra told the Miami Herald. We still have a long ways to go. But guys are getting more comfortable, one in their roles and two where our strengths are. So thats a start.Heat backup center Willie Reed is not expected to play Monday, after hyperextending his right knee against Washington.Top overall pick Ben Simmons (foot) has yet to play this season for the Sixers, and is not expected to return until January at the earliest. Philadelphia has also been without guard Jerryd Bayless (wrist) and center/forward Nerlens Noel (knee), but both have ramped up their rehab in the last week.Wholesale Shoes 2020 . Calgary scored on the first shift, and Michael Cammalleri scored twice as the Flames cruised to a 5-2 win over the Washington Capitals on Saturday. Replica Shoes Wholesale .Y. - Rob Manfred was promoted Monday to Major League Baseballs chief operating officer, which may make him a candidate to succeed Bud Selig as commissioner. http://www.wholesaleshoes.us.org/ .25 million option on reliever Jose Veras. Cheap Shoes China Wholesale . -- Nathan Pancel scored twice as the Sudbury Wolves defeated the North Bay Battalion 4-2 on Saturday in Ontario Hockey League action. Cheap Replica Shoes China . No. 13-seeded John Isner and No. 21 Philipp Kohlschreiber were among six players who dropped out of the tournament on Tuesday, joining No. 12 seed Tommy Haas and two other players who withdrew on Monday.St Kilda defender Sam Fisher has announced his retirement after 228 AFL games.The 34-year-old had been keen to play on next year but was unable to come to an agreement with the Saints, who put off making a decision on his future until after the trade and free agency periods.Fisher was a key contributor during the clubs successful era under Ross Lyon, appearing in all three grand final teams.However, he has battled injury in recent years - his last uninterrupted season was in 2011 - and managed just 12 games in 2016.Ive thoroughly enjoyed my time playing for St Kilda Football Club and I can retire knowing that I have given my all over the past 13 years, Fisher said.While it will be different supporting from the sidelines, Im looking forward to seeing my teammates and coaches enjoy well-deserved success in the years to come.I dont think anyone imagines theyll play over 200 games but Im so grateful to have had this experience and would like to thank St Kilda Foottball Club and the fans for their support over the years.dddddddddddd.Fisher was the 55th player selected at the 2003 draft and quickly made a name for himself as an effective defender, often against taller opponents.He won St Kildas best and fairest award in 2008 and 2011 and was also an All Australian in 2008.Sam arrived at the club before a lot of us, myself included, but he will also leave a legacy that will extend past many of our times at the club, coach Alan Richardson said.While Sams honours as an All Australian, Trevor Barker Award winner and International Rules player highlight the impact hes had on the field, hes also taken the opportunity in the last few years to help and teach our young defenders.Sams definitely made his mark on the club, we thank him for his remarkable service and wish him all the best for the future. 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