Joel Embiid Says Draymond Green Texted Playoff Advice After Game 1 Win vs. Heat

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid said Monday he recently received playoff advice from a two-time NBA champion.

Embiid told Jessica Camerato of NBC Sports Philadelphia that Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green texted him following the Sixers' Game 1 win over the Miami Heat in their first-round playoff series, saying: "Draymond texted me after the first game when we blew Miami out. He basically told me that it's not going to be the same in Game 2. They came back and they won that game."

While the 76ers were victorious 130-103 in the opening matchup, the Heat countered with a 113-103 win in Game 2. Philly has won the past two contests, though, and will have a chance to eliminate Miami in Tuesday's Game 5.

Embiid didn't play in either of the series' first two games because of an orbital fracture, but he was a huge part of Philadelphia's winning efforts in Games 3 and 4.

Through two contests, Embiid is averaging 18.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.0 blocks and 2.5 assists.

With the Boston Celtics missing guard Kyrie Irving (knee surgery) and both the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers engaged in tough battles in their respective series, it can be argued the young Sixers are trending toward being the favorites to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals.

It was only a few years ago that Green and the Warriors were in a similar position after several seasons of losing basketball.

The Dubs can also move on to the second round Tuesday if they can knock off the San Antonio Spurs at home in Game 5.

Although Golden State has a tough task ahead in terms of reaching its fourth straight NBA Finals as the Houston Rockets stand in its way, it's possible Embiid and Green will meet later in the playoffs with a championship on the line.