🏀 There’s still time... | Sports Daily Newsletter

While the Eagles have us all waiting for Sunday at 6:30 p.m. in collective earnest 🦅, there are urgent matters happening today that could see significant changes occur to the Sixers between now and 3 p.m., the close of the NBA’s trade deadline.

I mean … or not. One just never knows. I overheard a colleague say just yesterday that Joel Embiid’s trade stock might be at its highest following his triple-double performance against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night. Sounds preposterous, sure. But so is what just happened in Los Angeles on Sunday, which leaves no stone unturned until 3:01 p.m., as far as I’m concerned.

We know the Sixers sent Caleb Martin packing to Dallas before Tuesday’s game. And on Wednesday, the Sixers dropped KJ Martin in what’s been described simply as a “cost-cutting move” and even as a “salary dump.”

On the court, the Sixers still remain inconsistent as they chase the final play-in game spot in the Eastern Conference, falling to the Miami Heat at home last night, 108-101.

A wintry mix will descend upon our region today, but with temperatures expected to reach the mid-40s, we should be all right — even if your kid’s school suggests otherwise.

— Kerith Gabriel, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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For those wondering if Eagles defensive stalwart Brandon Graham was going to suit up for Sunday’s Super Bowl, it looks more than likely as Graham has practiced and says he intends to play just months after surgery for what was thought to be a season-ending triceps injury. However, Graham, the hero of the team’s last Super Bowl victory in 2018 and currently its longest-tenured player, is still noncommittal on whether this season will be his last in Eagles green.

“I’m excited to play this last game,” Graham said. “I don’t know what the future holds. But if this is my last game, I’m going to give it everything I have.”

Inquirer writer Matt Breen has more on Graham and the rumblings of what his next steps might be.

There’s just so much quality Eagles coverage from our team down in New Orleans to pick just one, so here’s the lot. But if I had to pick one more, it’s this piece from Rob Tornoe on legendary Eagles announcer Merrill Reese’s setup for the Super Bowl inside the Superdome. Let’s just say it’s not fit for a king.🔍

It has to be more than God-given talent for Eagles running back Saquon Barkley to do what he’s been doing this season, right? It would appear that’s the sentiment of the NFL. Barkley revealed as the special guest on teammate Darius Slay’s Big Play Slay podcast that he’s been drug-tested this season “too many” times.

“I’ve had too many,” Barkley told Slay on his podcast. “I’ve had too many drug tests, to be honest. I’m not one of those guys that’s going to take a picture of my drug tests and be like ‘Look, they’re drug testing me.’ I think people [who] do that are just trying to get clicks … but I have been drug tested way too many times and I don’t think — it’s random. But any time you make a big play or you have a big game, you just happen to get tested.”

Inquirer writer Ariel Simpson has more on Barkley’s testing exploits, the legacy he wants to leave, and just how far back his famous swim celebration goes.

With all of the fandom around popular English clubs hosting preseason tours in the States or being a part of significant competitions that bring their caravan Stateside, some kicked around the idea that the English Premier League would consider bringing a handful of its regular-season games to America. Look no further than Comcast as a corporation with its fingers and toes crossed. The Center City-based cable and broadband giant spends a small fortune to broadcast EPL matches on its NBC networks and its streaming platform, Peacock.

However, Tony Scholes, who is the chief football officer for the Premier League, said that notion isn’t on the table and isn’t even one that has been considered.

“Thankfully, we don’t feel the need to come and play in the U.S. during the season,” Scholes said. “And you’ll understand the challenges that that would present in the U.K. as well. So it’s not on our agenda. No discussions are taking place on it.”

Inquirer soccer writer Jonathan Tannenwald unpacks why, along with what cheerleaders and critics say about it.

Feb. 6, 2005: The Eagles have their first Super Bowl appearance since 1981 but fall short in a 24-21 loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIX due to a fourth-quarter drive from the Birds’ offense that still baffles to this day.

Here’s a place to access your favorite Philadelphia teams’ statistics, schedules, and standings in real time.

SEQUIN TERMING

Which new player did Tyrese Maxey say will fit in well with this current Sixers roster? Think you know? Take a guess and click here to see if you’re correct.

We asked you: How do you project the Eagles defense will fare against Patrick Mahomes and Co.?

Since the defense was a big part of us being here I don’t think a lot has to be changed. Maybe blitz a little more and tighter coverage in the secondary. Of course you run the risk of phantom roughing the passer calls and pass interference calls. This game will be under a lot more scrutiny than other Super Bowls. As I said before, let the players decide the outcome, not the officials. — Jack H.

Put tremendous pressure on Mahomes and sack him and hurry him with [Jalen] Carter and all those who can break through Andy [Reid’s] offensive line. Keep Mahomes from completing those short and mid-range passes to Travis [Kelce]. Take Travis out of the game. —Everett S.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jonathan Tannenwald, Ariel Simpson, Gabriela Carroll, Sam Morris, Johnny Zawislak, Matt Mullin, Matt Breen, Katie Lewis, Rob Tornoe, Keith Pompey, Gina Mizell, EJ Smith, Jeff McLane, Alex Coffey, Jeff Neiburg, and Olivia Reiner.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

That’s Thursday, Philly. Stay dry and look out for Jim in your inbox tomorrow, who’ll get you ready for the weekend. — Kerith