The NBA Playoffs are finally set to begin for the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday when they take on the Washington Wizards from the Wells Fargo Center. They are the No. 1 seed for the first time since 2001 and they are ready to go on a deep playoff run.
In order to do so, they will need Joel Embiid to attack out on the floor to be able to get to where they want to go on their championship run. Embiid had himself a helluva regular season averaging 28.5 points and 10.6 rebounds while being named an MVP finalist during his terrific season, but in the playoffs, there needs to be more.
“I think you’ll see a different animal,” said veteran Dwight Howard. “I’m not saying he hasn’t been an animal, but I think if he was a lion, now he’s coming out like Mufasa. He’s not little Simba no more, he ready.”
The last time Embiid was in the playoffs, he averaged 30 and 10, but the Sixers were swept out of Round 1 by the Boston Celtics. Now, things should be much different as they head into this matchup with the Washington Wizards.
“I think Joel is going to be great,” Howard added. “I’m super excited. He seems like he’s very anxious to get ready to start this playoffs and Ben looks great in practice. All our guys look great. I’m just looking forward to the playoffs.”
As for Howard’s role, he will continue to push the big fella and continue to pass on any knowledge or wisdom to him. He has been pushing Embiid all season long to be the best he can be and now that the postseason is here, this is his chance to make a statement and be mentioned among the greatest in the league.
“Just continue to inspire and push him to be the best Joel Embiid he can be,” Howard finished. “He’s amazing. I’m excited for these playoffs. I think he’s he’s really going to be very assertive, be more aggressive than he was in a regular season.”
Tip off from the Wells Fargo Center is set for 1 p.m. EDT on Sunday.
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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