Joel Embiid: Posts 18 points, nine rebounds Friday

While Embiid faced playing-time restrictions all preseason and didn’t log more than 20 minutes in any contest, both the 76ers and fantasy owners alike have to be ecstatic with the production he provided. The former No. 3 overall pick was a focal points on both ends of the floor whenever he was on the court, and ultimately finished the exhibition schedule with five straight games of double-digit points. Embiid wasn’t without his faults, however, as he racked up fouls and turnovers at high rates, but his production as a scorer, rebounder and shot blocker largely offset those shortcomings. He’s expected to be limited to 20-to-24 minutes in Tuesday’s regular-season opener against the Thunder, but Embiid could see his restrictions gradually diminish as the season unfolds.