Philadelphia 76ers standout center Joel Embiid has received a diagnosis of Bell’s palsy, a condition characterized by facial paralysis that he reveals has been impacting him since before the commencement of the play-in tournament.
Sporting sunglasses during his appearance at the podium following his remarkable 50-point performance in the Sixers’ Game 3 triumph over the New York Knicks, Embiid disclosed experiencing a range of symptoms such as blurred vision and dry eyes.
Embiid disclosed that the onset of this condition occurred approximately “a day or two” before the Sixers faced off against the Miami Heat on April 17 in the play-in tournament, where he notably contributed 23 points and 15 rebounds, securing the Sixers’ path to the playoffs.
Initially attributing his discomfort to migraines, Embiid admitted he dismissed the symptoms until he eventually sought medical attention upon realizing his deteriorating condition.
Displaying remarkable resilience on the court, Embiid, last season’s NBA MVP, showcased exceptional performance in Game 3, recording 13 of 19 field goals, converting 19 of 21 free throws, and sinking five 3-pointers.
Throughout the series, Embiid opted to don sunglasses and kept a low profile during postgame interviews, striving to conceal the visible signs of his condition.
Acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding his recovery timeline, Embiid remains resolute in his determination to navigate through the challenges posed by Bell’s palsy.
“It hasn’t really necessarily gotten better,” he said. “With the conversations that I’ve had, it could be weeks, it could be months. I just hope that it stays like this. I’ve got a beautiful face. I don’t like when my mouth is looking the other way. Unfortunate situation but everything happens for a reason.”
