Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is having another outstanding NBA season. He is on a mission to finally take home an MVP award and lead his team on a deep playoff run. So far so good in both regards, as Embiid is playing at a high level and the 76ers are winning frequently.
Embiid is stuffing the stat sheet on a nightly basis and his team put a tighter hold on the No. 3 spot in the Eastern Conference by defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night. However, it may have come at a price as Embiid revealed that he has been fighting through injuries to stay on the court.
“I haven’t been healthy,” Embiid said. “I’ve been having this lingering foot issue. According to the doctors, which needs a lot of rest and staying off my feet.
“Like I said, the focus is on winning, especially getting ready for the second half of the season and the playoffs. I’m focused on winning a championship. If that helps me get there healthy, then that’s what I’m going to do. I’m just going to see how it goes.”
That certainly sounds like someone who may have to skip the All-Star Game festivities in Salt Lake City this weekend. While it would be a nice showcase for Embiid, his focus is rightfully on his health and the 76ers’ season, not playing in an exhibition game.
NBA NEWS & ALL-STAR GAME: Joel Embiid & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
The MVP runner-up was not selected as a starter for the game, being named an Eastern Conference reserve originally. But, when it was announced that Kevin Durant had to miss the game because of an injury, Embiid was selected to step into the starting lineup in his place. Now, he may also be sidelined from the game.
“I was trying to get the All-Star Break without missing games” Embiid said. “But I think that I may have reached the point where I need to follow the doctor’s advice. We’ll see how the next few days go.”
Being named an All-Star is certainly an achievement, especially since some players have incentives in their contracts tied to being named one. But, at the end of the day, it is just an exhibition and if Embiid needs some time to rest and get his body right for the stretch run of the season, then that is what he should do.
NBA NEWS & ALL-STAR GAME: Joel Embiid & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
On the season, he is averaging 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.5 blocks in 34.9 minutes per game. His efficiency has been excellent as well with a shooting split of .537/.355/.858.
Should Embiid not be able to play, he would be the fourth player that had to pull out of the game because of injury. Durant, Stephen Curry and Zion Williamson all are unable to play, so Pascal Siakam, De’Aaron Fox and Anthony Edwards took their places.
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