Sixers coach discusses Joel Embiid’s illness, says it’s a virus

Just how bad is the illness Joel Embiid is dealing with? Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown provided some insight after the team’s 101-96 loss to the Toronto Raptors in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Sunday.

Brown told reporters that he received a text message from Embiid at 6:00 a.m. in which the big man told him he felt terrible, hadn’t slept all night, and wasn’t sure whether he would be able to play in that day’s game. Brown says Embiid is dealing with a virus and that the issue is noticeable.

After Game 4 loss to Raptors, Sixers' Brett Brown on Joel Embiid's health (virus): "I got a text from him at 6:20 AM this morning telling me he didn't sleep all night, he really hasn't ever felt this poorly and was unsure if he was going to play." pic.twitter.com/Xb1eEgNhK6

— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) May 5, 2019

Embiid gutted through 35 minutes and scored just 11 points with 8 rebounds and 7 assists. He was a +17 but still did not seem to be at his best, and nothing like he was in Game 3.

Brown says that Embiid essentially demanded to play in the game despite not feeling well.

Embiid and the Sixers only get one day off before Game 5 on Tuesday in Toronto.