The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid perfect counter to Boston

By Bret Stuter

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 24: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates during the game against the Miami Heat in game five of round one of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 24: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates during the game against the Miami Heat in game five of round one of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 24: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates during the game against the Miami Heat in game five of round one of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 24: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates during the game against the Miami Heat in game five of round one of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /

But ‘Biid Be Ready

The Boston Celtics had an effective strategy in the regular season on Joel Embiid. They threw random double teams at him, and held him to a surprising low of 38 percent shooting.  Still, that was then, this is now.  In fact, that was before the Philadelphia 76ers had signed either Marco Belinelli or Ersan Ilyasova. But it was also before Joel Embiid fractured his eye socket, forcing him to wear a protective face mask.

In the series against the Heat, he was obviously bothered by that mask. But while that may have challenged his ability to handle the ball and shoot, he remained a significant force on the defensive end of the court. And Boston knows that the Philadelphia 76ers stand in their way for the foreseeable future.  To defeat the 76ers, the Celtics must master the paint and out hustle the NBA All-Star center. Easier said than done.

Embiidefender

Embiid may wear a protective mask that challenges his shooting. But he made his presence felt on defense throughout the Heat series. And as an elite defender, he knows that the series against Boston hinges on defense. Which team can play stingier will result in the victor. Right now, Joel Embiid has an excellent perspective.

Boston plays good defense, but so do the Philadelphia 76ers. In this series, the better team wins four first. The team who wins four advances to the next round.