Throughout the final stretch of the regular season and the current playoff run, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has been facing multiple health challenges. Details about his knee-related setback emerged before Thursday’s Game 3 victory over the New York Knicks, and it was later revealed that he is also battling Bell’s Palsy according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Embiid acknowledged the setbacks after Thursday’s win, admitting that he was unsure of what caused them. He has been seen wearing sunglasses off the court and stated that the symptoms began before the NBA’s Play-In Tournament against the Miami Heat. Despite dealing with his knee and Bell’s Palsy, Embiid has not missed a game since the start of the postseason series against the Knicks.
The seven-time All-Star, while not feeling his best, has continued to showcase his talent on the court. In Game 1, he put up 29 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, followed by an impressive performance in Game 2 scoring 34 points with ten rebounds and six assists. In Game 3, facing a 2-0 deficit, Embiid elevated his play even more, scoring 50 points in a crucial win over the Knicks.
Despite the challenges he is facing, Embiid remains determined and refuses to let the setbacks deter his performance. He sees the setbacks as unfortunate but not as an excuse to slow down, and he continues to give his all on the court for his team.