76ers' Joel Embiid Discusses Getting Treatment for Bell's Palsy During NBA Playoffs

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIApril 26, 2024

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 22: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates during the game after setting a new franchise record with 70 points against the San Antonio Spurs on January 22, 2024 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is dealing with a case of Bell's palsy, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported:

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
ESPN Sources: Sixers star Joel Embiid has been treated for a mild case of Bell's Palsey for the past week. The condition began during the play-in victory over Miami but he has wanted to keep it private to avoid distractions for his team.

Embiid discussed the situation after Thursday's win against the New York Knicks:

HoopsHype @hoopshype
Joel Embiid on Bell's Palsy:<br><br>"Pretty annoying with the left side of my face, my mouth and my eye. It's been tough but I'm not a quitter… It's unfortunate… got to keep pushing." <a href="https://t.co/Iwqn1QczTd">pic.twitter.com/Iwqn1QczTd</a>

Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Joel Embiid said dealing with Bell's Palsy has been "pretty annoying." "It's unfortunate … got to keep pushing."

The center has played every game of the playoffs despite the issue, including on Thursday when he scored 50 points in 41 minutes in a 125-114 win.

The reigning NBA MVP averaged 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists per game this season.

He was limited by an injury to the lateral meniscus in his left knee that sidelined the seven-time All-Star from Jan. 30 to April 2, when he returned against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Despite being out for two-plus months and clearly being hampered by that knee ailment, Embiid has still been dominant. In his final five regular season games, Embiid averaged 30.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game.

In three postseason contests versus the Knicks, Embiid has posted 37.7 points in 39.0 minutes alongside 8.7 rebounds and 5.3 dimes.

Given everything he's endured coupled with the latest news, this has been nothing short of a remarkable run for Embiid, who is carrying his team while pushing himself through serious health issues on the game's biggest stage.

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Embiid and the 76ers are down two games to one in the best-of-seven series after the Game 3 win. Game 4 will go down Sunday in Philadelphia at 1 p.m. ET.