Jimmy Butler expects Game 5 vs. Raptors to be a ‘dog fight’
The Eastern Conference semifinal series between the Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors has been an back-and-forth, physical affair, and Jimmy Butler expects things to be even more intense in Tuesday night’s Game 5 showdown.
Coming off Sunday’s 101-96 home-court loss in Game 4 that knotted up things at two games apiece, the 76ers can restore balance to the series by stealing one on the road Tuesday night. Butler, who said the 76ers were “humbled” by the Raptors in Game 4, understands that doing so will not come easy.
“Nobody’s intimidated, nobody’s scared of anybody. It’s all about going out there and competing,” Butler said Tuesday afternoon, per TSN’s Josh Lewenberg. “It’s damn sure going to be a dog fight tonight. I know I wouldn’t like it any other way. I know some guys on their team want it that way as well.”
Looming the largest over the Sixers’ prospect for success in Game 5 is the health of Joel Embiid, who again battled illness and wasn’t his same self in Game 4’s setback.
Embiid is said to be battling an upper respiratory infection but has been declared probable for Game 5 despite sitting out shootaround back at the hotel.
Butler, never one to stop short of saying something provocative, fired off a couple of one-liners about the ailing Embiid.
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."
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) May 7, 2019
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."
Embiid's been sick all series, what's he got?
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) May 7, 2019
Jimmy Butler: "I'm not a f***'n doctor, I don't know."
Same old Jimmy Buckets. Even with a hugely critical Game 5 just hours away.
