James Harden isn't exactly known for his big-time performances in high-stakes games. That narrative isn't lost on Joel Embiid, as the Philadelphia 76ers center spoke candidly on the topic.

Speaking to reporters during Thursday's Sixers practice, Embiid revealed his message to James Harden ahead of their series against the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the playoffs.

Via ESPN's Tim Bontemps:

“I tell him to be himself. He's been doing a great job of being the playmaker, but we need him to be aggressive and really score the ball, especially against Toronto,” Embiid said on his message to his Sixers co-star. “With the way they guard me, we're going to need everybody.”

“He just has to be himself, and not worry about people talking about pressure. Whatever happened in the past, you look back at what he's accomplished and what he's done, he had to play against a dynasty. It would have been hard for anybody to beat those Golden State teams, so bad timing. But I'm sure it's going to be fine.”

James Harden himself was vocal on not feeling pressure with his 13th postseason run looming. But it's always easier said than done, especially with mounting evidence of his struggles during such pressure-packed contests.

But with Joel Embiid as the clear-cut best player on the Sixers, James Harden doesn't have as much pressure as he used to during his time as the focal point of the Houston Rockets. Could this be the year that he breaks out of the mold for a run at the title?