Joel Embiid and Drake have been going at it since the start of the playoffs. It all began after the third game when Embiid told the rapper that his favorite team, the Toronto Raptors, will get swept away by his team, the Philadelphia 76ers. Drake hit back after the fourth game of the playoff series. He posted a meme teasing Embiid. Notably, Drake was also present during the sixth game of the series in Toronto.
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After the match, Drake met Embiid again. He mentioned then that their next opponent, Miami Heat, will sweep the Philadelphia 76ers. Embiid said, playfully, “You’re a Heat fan, now? Drake, who is the ambassador for the Raptors, has been present for most of the playoff games. He has cheered for his team wholeheartedly, but his aspirations were thwarted by Embiid again.
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Drake has Miami sweeping Philly
(🎥 @HoHighlights ) pic.twitter.com/wVrmeB8Nnu
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 29, 2022
Joel Embiid against the Raptors
Joel Embiid put on a classic performance against the Raptors. He scored 33 points and 10 rebounds. His +/- was 28 when he was on the court. His last two games were mediocre with 21 and 20 points and had as many as nine turnovers in both these games.
It may have been due to the thumb injury he sustained during the third game against the Raptors. However, Embiid rediscovered success at the nail after some sputtering performances from that spot on the floor, beating single coverage off-the-dribble and diagnosing doubles as quickly as could be expected.
His work as a screener ultimately scared the Raptors into giving Harden space to operate. Unlike his last few games, he was throwing his body around and did whatever was required to get this victory.
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With a chance to land the killing blow in the second half, Embiid sensed the opportunity and gave them a little extra push on the offensive glass. He broke Toronto’s spirit by creating a few second-chance opportunities for Philadelphia (on top of dismantling them as a scorer).
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Maxey and Harden were amazing too. Harden was exceptional as the pacesetter and the switch hunter. Maxey ultimately landed the decisive haymaker in the third quarter. Both of them, along with Embiid, helped the Sixers blank out the Raptors 132-97.
Will the Sixers beat Heat? Will the Heat sweep them? We have to wait and watch whether Drake’s predictions turn out true or not.