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Jo is out. Likely precautionary since we have this series in the bag already. Hopefully he doesn't have to play again until we face Boston.

Should be the Harden and Maxey show. Want to see BBall show out in extended mins also.

Can we break out the brooms on the road? I think so.

Time's yours...

https://www.espn.com/nba/game/_/gameId/401541189

We've won without him in the playoffs in the past. I know we can do it again. If Brooklyn does take this game, we shouldn't panic, but I do think we really need to just close them out and rest up for Boston. Should be the Harden, Maxey, Reed show today. Expect a Harrell cameo if Doc gets desperate for scoring, but I think Reed is going to have a nice game today. 18 pts/15 rebs/ 3 blocks and a Sixers closeout win. I think not having Embiid out there is going to throw Brooklyn off a bit. It sucks to be without him, but I think we get this done.

Embiid's absence puts Brooklyn in sort of a mental quandary here, because the typical response to being down 0-3 would be to go all out in the name of pride and avoid the sweep, even if deep down you believe you can't win the series. That spirit is also generated by a reaction to the opposing team's presumed desire to win and put an end to it. But with Embiid out the Sixers are sort of "semi-forfeiting" the game -- not intentionally, but simply personnel-wise -- and it's real tough to get as emotionally driven to beat a team that's taking the court in that manner. It's essentially like a David and Goliath battle, but with Goliath's having a major wound and walking around with a pronounced limp. I think we see a Brooklyn team that's sapped somewhat of the resolve to win it would normally have down 0-3 on its home court.

I am happy aout the decision to not play Embiid. This is all intentional BTW, and it's what I wanted a day or two ago in a post I made. Playing away is very different to playing home, Embiid is going to get much more rattled when playing away with refs allowing more contact and physicality and with the crowd pressure, Embiid's chances of a serious injury are much higher away than home (at least with how he's being guarded in this series). If we lose this game (which is likely) then Embiid will play in game 5 at home, it is the correct decision.

Good move to rest Embiid. Given his injury history and the 3-0 lead, it probably would've been prudent to sit him this game even if he wasn't hurt. Not that he needs rest... just that it's one less chance for him to get hurt in a game where we might not need him.

Lets free the man this sport is named after

This is a classic Niang 3-pt. explosion kind of game. I can see him going off for 18-20 pts. including some 4th quarter daggers to ice the game.

Murray_17 wrote:Lets free the man this sport is named after

Yep, if he's allowed to it's easy to see Reed having one of those 16-10 games where he's all over the place.

This is the most exciting game of this series

“If it was easy, you wouldn't want it. It wouldn't be good if it was easy." - Doc Rivers

76ciology wrote:This is the most exciting game of this series

Agree. Excited to see how we play without Jo. We may need to do it again after all.

Only Cam Thomas can save the Nets

Paul Reed playoff starter season. LFG

76ciology wrote:Only Cam Thomas can save the Sixers

Fixed for you

Miscommunication and guys are lost.

Murray_17 wrote:

76ciology wrote:Only Cam Thomas can save the Sixers

Fixed for you

Im texted him to let us win this game. I got you fam

lol

The court is hazy. Game should be cancelled. Not good for the respiratory system

At this point I'd rather watch step back 3's from Harden than him going to the basket

In basketball, is it important for your best player to be able to make layups? asking for a friend.