Guess why Joel Embiid wore sunglasses indoors and tried to cover his left eye during Game 3 against the Knicks.
But, long-time NBA commentator Adrian Wojnarowski shed some light on the mystery after the Sixers' 125-114 victory over the Knicks, revealing that Embiid was suffering from a condition called Bell's palsy.
This condition causes facial muscles to suddenly become weak on one side of the face and can cause people to have trouble closing their eye – which is what happened to Embiid on the court in Game 3.
Despite his health problems, the grandfather surprised the Knicks by putting up 50 points and getting the Sixers an important first win in the first round series.
The Philly star addressed the situation after the game while wearing sunglasses.
“I think it started a day or two before the Miami game,” Embiid said, while adding that he's been suffering from migraines and muscle weakness.
“It's really annoying,” Embiid said. “My left side of my face, my mouth and my eye, so, it's been tough,” Embiid said, “but I'm not a quitter, so I have to keep fighting through whatever it is. It's unfortunate, that's how I look at it. That's no excuse, I have to keep pushing.”
Symptoms usually begin to improve within weeks, and most people with Bell's palsy make a full recovery within six months.
“With the conversations I've had, it could be weeks, it could be months,” Embiid explained.
But he doesn't want sympathy.
“It's something I can't give up,” Embiid said. “Whatever happens. You have to keep pushing, you have to keep fighting. I have to keep putting my body on the line for my family, for this city, for this team – I can't just sit around and feel bad about myself.”
Since 2018 with the Sixers, Embiid has been unable to advance past the Conference Semifinals.
