NBA Playoffs: One thing to watch for each Game 7 participant

Which Joel Embiid shows up in Toronto?

Most of the negative attention on the Philadelphia 76ers this series has been guided towards Ben Simmons. While he remains a player with a glaring hole of not being able to shoot or refusing to, his splits in wins and losses haven’t been drastic. The same can be said for Tobias Harris and J.J. Redick’s numbers, and we know Jimmy Butler has consistently been there every game.

In Game 7s, your superstars must show up, and the only way Philly goes into Toronto and wins is if Joel Embiid plays up to his potential. You could look at his box score alone, and make an assumption on who won the game, and you’d probably guess correctly.

Embiid is averaging 7.4 fewer points per game, 20.0 percent worse on 3-pointers, 2.0 fewer rebounds and 1.7 fewer blocks per game in losses compared to wins. His +/- in wins? 24.7. In losses? 2.0. He’s been sick and hobbled ironically for the losses, but that’s a startling difference for a player that’s consistently relied upon every single game.

His +/- in their Game 6 blowout was an outstanding +40. The Process was everywhere on the court, despite scoring only 17 points. Embiid is a defensive wunderkind, particularly in his rim protection, something highlighted with two blocks on Kawhi Leonard in a short period. But he has been excellent in his one-on-one defense against Pascal Siakam this series.

It’s simple. If that Embiid shows up, the one providing no easy baskets while playing with crazy energy, Philly has a great shot. If not, he’ll be flying his plane celebration out of Toronto with another disappointing second-round exit.