The Celtics have no answer for Joel Embiid

Image reference: 6ABC news

Fresh from appendicitis surgery earlier this month, Joel Embiid rejoined the Sixers for their game four home loss to the Boston Celtics, in a 128–96 defeat. In blow-out fashion, the former mvp still dropped an impressive display, scoring 26 points, 10 rebounds and six assists.

With the series in Boston’s hand, heading into Tuesday the Sixers were in dire need of a victory, and Embiid gave them just that. In 38 minutes of action, he dropped 33 points and 8 assists, completely dominating the interior. Celtics’ big men Vucevic and Queta had no answer for the Bigman, allowing him almost everything he wanted.

Former Bull Nikola Vucevic is renowned for his lacklustre defensive effort, with Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla lowering his playing time since the return of Joel Embiid. Playing a series high 31 minutes in game three, Vucevic saw less than half of that in game five, and with his offence not being as polished as it once was the Celtics are in need of an Al Horford type defender to put onto Embiid.

Should the Celtics look to double-team Embiid heading into game 6?

The Celtics are looking to end the series, and how they look to tame Joel Embiid will be the deciding factor between a game 7 or a series win.

It’s been clear through the last two games that he hasn’t missed a step, and despite the three ball not falling his mid-range and inside game has been smooth. In the previous years of the Celtics/ Sixers’ matching up, the Celtics have resorted to double teaming Embiid, with Tatum mainly being used in sending help. Something which Embiid’s not been able to navigate through, could Joe Mazzulla look to implement this strategy in game 6 if the Celtics defensive woes continue?

It’s not the last resort, however the spacing on the Sixers has improved over the past few years; and with plenty of guys capable of sinking open threes the Celtics have found themselves in quite the predicament.