Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid has to be careful for the rest of playoffs

Philadelphia 76ers All-Star center Joel Embiid has to be careful how he uses his lumbering frame for the rest of the postseason.

Game 6 produced alot of positives for the Philadelphia 76ers in the win against the Toronto Raptors. There was a balanced attack by the Sixers offense, including a much more aggressive Ben Simmons on the offensive glass. It also produced an effective game plan against Kawhi Leonard on the the defensive end. However, there was one very negative thing that came out of Game 6; Joel Embiid getting his third flagrant foul of the playoffs.

What makes matters worse is that the flagrant 1 foul still stands after being reviewed after the game. That’s a big problem for Embiid and the Sixers, because if the big man picks up one more flagrant 1 foul, it could ruin Philly’s postseason run. For example:

"“…if Embiid picks up a flagrant 1 in Game 7 Sunday in Toronto, and the Sixers were to win, he would have to sit out Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals in Milwaukee Wednesday. If he were to get a flagrant two, he would have to sit out Games 1 and 2.”"

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If Embiid were to get suspended, that would leave head coach Brett Brown with Greg Monroe, Boban Marjanovic, Amir Johnson or Jonah Bolden as replacement options. None of which can even remotely replicate what Embiid does.

Not having Embiid in any games during the postseason would put Philly at a severe disadvantage. Embiid’s clearly the Sixers top player and best defender that they would have against Giannis Antetokounmpo. Philly would have very little chance to win a game against the Bucks without Embiid.

Embiid received his first two flagrant fouls in the first round against the Brooklyn Nets during Games 2 and 4. Both were given as a result of unnecessary contact with opposing center Jarrett Allen. Embiid laughed about it when he spoke after the first flagrant in Game 2, which wasn’t a good look. The flagrant that Embiid received in Game 4 resulted in an on the court pushing match that can be seen below.

Three flagrant fouls in 10 postseason games this year isn’t a good look for Embiid, which leads this year’s playoffs. He was also tied for second in the NBA with three flagrant fouls during the regular season. Only Russell Westbrook has had more flagrant fouls than Embiid this season. Overall this isn’t painting a good picture of the big man.

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The Philadelphia 76ers need Embiid on the court for the rest of their postseason run. That means the big man has to play a little smarter considering his 7-foot and 250 lbs frame. It’s good to play hard in the playoffs, but playing smart defense wins championships.