Philadelphia can take a commanding 3-1 series lead over Brooklyn with a win on Saturday.
The Sixers will have Joel Embiid in the paint for that game.
Joel Embiid is available and starting tonight.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) April 20, 2019
.@JoelEmbiid is available for Game IV and will start. #PhilaUnite | #HereTheyCome pic.twitter.com/P4E0w6j9pY
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 20, 2019
Embiid, battling a sore knee, has averaged 22.5 points and 12.5 rebounds a game, and he’s been a defensive presence, but he has not been his same, explosive self. He has missed some bunnies around the rim and just has not been right. It’s clear watching him.
Still, Philly is better with him on the court (as long as the aggressive Ben Simmons still shows up). With him in the paint and a quick end to the series, Philly may be able to get some rest for Embiid before the second round. But Brooklyn will not make that easy on Saturday or the rest of the way.