By Jerry Wein
Joel Embiid is still listed as iffy for tonight’s game 5 against the Wiz.
And the Sixers are a 6-point fave at BetMGM.
They were 39-12 in the regular season with Embiid and 10-11 without him. They won the first three games of the series against the Wizards without him and lost when he missed most of Game 1.
Philly is capable of beating the Wizards without Embiid, but it’s clearly a lot more difficult. Washington was very good against the spread for the final few weeks of the regular season and covered in Game 1 against the 76ers. Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal are capable of keeping it close with Embiid in street clothes.
The 76ers aren’t in real danger of losing the series — no NBA team has ever lost a series after leading 3-0 — but it might be tougher than expected until Embiid comes back.
