Joel Embiid Practising Patience VS Raptors

Philadelphia 76ers forward Joel Embiid faces a different challenge in the conference semifinals against the Toronto Raptors.

Up against the Raptors defense and in particular Marc Gasol, Joel Embiid isn’t getting the freedom he’s used to.

In a Game 2 win over Toronto, Joel Embiid scored a career-playoff-low 12 points. However, he is taking heart from playing a role in the 94 – 89 victory. The series is currently tied at 1 – 1.

“It’s all about doing whatever I’m asked to,” Embiid said on Wednesday.

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Raptors big man Marc Gasol has been a thorn in Embiid’s side historically. In 7 career games against him, Embiid has averaged 14 points on 32.6% shooting. This is below his career average of 24.3 points on 48.1% shooting.

“If it’s setting screens or rolling to the basket or finding guys when I’m double- or triple-teamed, I’m going to keep on doing that.

“I’m not going to force the issue because I’m not getting the same amount of points I was before. So if I only have to take five shots and then make sure I make the right decisions, that’s what I’m going to do.”

As well as that, Embiid is struggling physically right now. He had to take IV fluids before Game 2 due to his gastroenteritis. He is also still dealing with tendinitis in his left knee.

The knee issue caused him to miss 14 regular season games following the All-Star break.

“It’s better,” he said.

“We’re trying to manage it to make sure we know how many minutes I should play. It’s going to keep on getting better.”

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Meanwhile, Sixers coach Brett Brown has warned his team not to get too confident.

“I think anytime anybody feels comfortable, you’re in trouble,” Brown said.

“There can be zero comfort level in anything, and it’s the dynamics of human beings, let alone athletes. It’s just how at times people are wired. It’s my job, and it’s truly the way I think, so it’s not force-fed. There is no level of comfort. … Whether it’s Game 3, 5, 2, whatever. The comfort level after a win cannot exist.”