3. Can Joel Embiid finally get going?
Through two games in the series, Joel Embiid is shooting 28 percent from the floor on 12.5 shot attempts per game. That needs to change for the Sixers to win the series.
Embiid’s name on the injury report has been due to two ailments — his knee tendonitis and gastroenteritis. To say Embiid hasn’t been 100 percent for the postseason would be an understatement. Nonetheless, he needs to find ways to put the ball in the bucket more often.
In Embiid’s defense, Marc Gasol has guarded him well. Gasol is Al Horford-esque defensively. He won’t be racking up gaudy block numbers, but he knows how to do his work before the shot goes up, rotates properly, and knows how to quarterback a defense. Serge Ibaka, on the other hand, should be roadkill every time Embiid is matched up with him.
There are three things that come to mind that could help Embiid’s life easier on the offensive end.
- Catch the ball closer to the basket: Sounds simple, and it’s easier said than done, but Embiid’s post touches starting from further out means more stress on his lower body. Catching from 16-feet out and trying to back his way down to the basket will unnecessarily fatigue him, especially against Gasol.
- More pick-and-rolls: Embiid being used as a roll man is much less taxing on his body. Rolling hard to the basket is also an easier way to get him quality scoring chances. Marc Gasol isn’t the best defender in space either.
- Face-up possessions at the top of the key: Embiid’s final Game 2 bucket was like watching a bull in a china shop, except the bull gracefully avoided damaging anything. Gasol struggles to defend in the open floor, which could bode well for his jump shot and his ability to draw fouls. Embiid picking up momentum downhill will
An efficient, damage-free Embiid would be crucial for the Sixers in this series and beyond.