Anyone who watched Game 4 between the Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors could see that Joel Embiid was playing at less than full strength, and Jimmy Butler is hoping to avoid having the same thing happen to him going forward.
Embiid has battled multiple illnesses during the Eastern Conference semis, the latest of which is an upper-respiratory infection that has him listed as probable for Game 5 on Tuesday night. When reporters asked Butler about Embiid’s health, he said he has been trying to stay as far away from the big man as he can.
Has Jimmy Butler asked Embiid how he's feeling? "I didn't ask how he's doing. I can look at him and tell how he's doing."
How does he look?
JB: "Sick. I tried to stay as far away as I could to tell you the truth. I love him but I don't want to be sick. I hate being sick."
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) May 7, 2019
Butler then had a great response when he was asked what Embiid has been diagnosed with.
Embiid's been sick all series, what's he got?
Jimmy Butler: "I'm not a f***'n doctor, I don't know."
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) May 7, 2019
While that may sound insensitive to some, the 76ers are undoubtedly as worried about it as Butler is. If Embiid has something contagious, the last thing they want is to have it spread to other members of the team while they’re locked in a 2-2 series.
Embiid also had a stomach virus before Game 2 and had to get IV fluids prior to tip-off, but at least one NBA legend is not letting him off the hook for the way his health has affected his performance.
