Joel Embiid is having a ball this season that has put his side on top of the EC rankings. The Sixers are 14-6 and have already white-washed teams like Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, and even the Lakers. 

The Process is an MVP caliber player and is showing early signs of leading the race against Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, and Kawhi Leonard among others. Notably, his recent play against the Lakers showed how he can be a leader and motivate his squad against the championship-favorites.

When Joel Embiid took a dig at a Lakers player

The Sixers’ star and Anthony Davis have played only five games against each other with Embiid leading 4-1. Recently, Joel Embiid joined a virtual interview where it appeared as if the interviewer was streaming him while he was playing FIFA 21. When the Sixers’ Twitch Affiliate asked him whether playing FIFA is more difficult than guarding AD, he easily agreed to it. Take a look –

Well, there was an initial moment in the Lakers vs Sixers game, where AD had dunked (James’ assist) on Embiid. Later, when Embiid tried to dunk over LeBron James, pushback from the King had left his back dangerously crashed on the court. 

Next up, in an Embiid vs Anthony Davis hardcore battle, the former accidentally hit his elbow on AD’s face while he was driving to make a bucket. That awarded the Sixers’ big man with a flagrant. However, it all proved worthy as the Sixers successfully broke the Lakers’ undefeated on-road run. 

Discounting Sixers as the NBA Finals prospect

Joel Embiid is averaging 28.3 ppg, 11.1 boards, and 2.8 assists this season. If anything, he is looking even scarier at the defensive end to help his side win turnovers.

The Sixers are loaded with shooting talent with the latest addition of Danny Green and Seth Curry. Plus, they have prolific offensive players in Tobias Harris and Ben Simmons. This is a very balanced team on paper. 

Still, the potential of Doc Rivers’ side has failed to convince and impress a few critics. A recent conversation quoted former NBA player Jay Williams as saying, “I just don’t trust Joel Embiid… I just wonder about his durability when stuff gets tough. When it comes time to make a play.”

Perhaps, the Sixers will have to do better against teams like the Bucks and the Nets to further cement their credibility. Do you think they can go deeper into the playoffs this time? Help us know your opinion in the comments.

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