Butler: Embiid is MVP, waiting for him to 'get right'
After a monster Game 2 performance Wednesday, Miami Heat wing Jimmy Butler says he's eagerly awaiting the return of former teammate and Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid as the series shifts to the City of Brotherly Love.
"I'm not a statistics guy or analytics, but I can tell you right now that when he's on the floor they're a much better team," Butler said postgame, per HoopsHype. "Like I said, I want him to get right because we want to play against who I call the MVP."
Butler finished with 22 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals in the Heat's 119-103 win.
The 76ers have dropped the first two contests of their second-round series without their franchise player, who suffered a facial fracture and concussion late in their final game against the Toronto Raptors last week.
Sixers head coach Doc Rivers said postgame that he doesn't know the status of five-time All-Star, as Embiid still has "so many steps" to clear before returning, according to ESPN's Tim Bontemps.
Philadelphia struggled to get meaningful production out of their big man rotation, with DeAndre Jordan and Paul Reed combining for 10 points and nine rebounds. Sophomore guard Tyrese Maxey carried the offensive load, scoring a game-high 34 points.
It was reported Sunday that the 76ers were optimistic Embiid would come back for Game 3 or 4, and Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra is preparing for the 28-year-old's potential return.
"It changes dramatically," said Spoelstra on the outlook of the series if Embiid returns, according to Bontemps. "You're talking about MVP talent."
Game 3 tips off at 7 p.m. ET on Friday.