Joel Embiid dealing with Bell’s Palsy

Apr 16, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) before game one of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has reportedly received treatment for Bell’s Palsy over the past week.

Embiid had been seen wearing sunglasses much more frequently of late, which had sparked speculation about a potential eye injury.

On Thursday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the sunglasses were related to Embiid being diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy. The condition causes temporary weakness or paralysis on one side of the face.

ESPN Sources: Sixers star Joel Embiid has been treated for a mild case of Bell’s palsy 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.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 26, 2024

Embiid reportedly kept the diagnosis private so as not to serve as a distraction for the rest of the team. Embiid’s symptoms had started to appear days before his team’s play-in matchup against the Miami Heat last week.

The condition didn’t seem to bother Embiid too much on Thursday night during the 76ers’ Game 3 Eastern Conference first-round series contest against the New York Knicks.

The reigning MVP had 50 points to lead his team to a 125-114 win over the Knicks at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pa.

During his postgame press conference, Embiid talked openly about dealing with Bell’s Palsy.

“It’s pretty annoying with the left side of my face, my mouth, and my eye. It’s been tough but I’m not a quitter. Got to keep fighting through anything. It’s unfortunate … but it’s not an excuse,” said Embiid.

Joel Embiid on Bell's Palsy:

"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.” pic.twitter.com/Iwqn1QczTd

— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) April 26, 2024

Embiid shot an efficient 13/19 from the field in the Game 3 victory with 19 points coming from the free throw line.

Embiid was also the subject of controversy on the defensive side of the floor. He was called for a flagrant 1 foul in the first quarter for a dangerous incident involving Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (video here).

Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau was adamant after the game that the 76ers star may have gotten away with more than one flagrant foul.