The Heat took a convincing 2 game lead in this series. Game 3 was a different story. The Sixers played incredible defense and held the Heat to 79 points/ won by 20. The difference of course, the Phantom of the Process. Joel Embiid was able to clear concussion protocol and return despite a fractured Orbital and a torn thumb ligament. He was not at his best as it's easy to get rusty when you cannot practice due to the concussion. He was still able to manage 18 points and 11 rebounds in an off game.
The most encouraging thing about the last game was his 36 minutes. He was able to avoid shots to the face for the most part and stayed on the floor despite Doc Rivers claiming he will not get his normal minutes. Now with a few days of practice back under his belt and a 23.5 line, I am in! I anticipate Joel getting more aggressive tonight in a huge game to even the series.
This postseason, Joel is averaging 25 points per game despite the ailments he's faced, and has averaged 24.3 a game in his 41 career playoff games. Of course we must consider the Heat defense and pain tolerance, but he has hit this line in 73.3% of games this season and has averaged 28.4 points per game at home this season. I see Joel getting much more comfortable on the floor today, going over his points line.
