Joel Embiid’s injury raises concerns for the Sixers: “It’s not easy”
The Sixers keep winning, but Embiid isn’t at his best. The former MVP is playing through plantar fasciitis that has affected him for weeks
The Philadelphia 76ers keep winning, but Joel Embiid’s health remains something to monitor. The Cameroonian center has been dealing with plantar fasciitis for several weeks, an issue that hasn’t prevented him from playing but continues to affect him.
After missing the matchup with the Charlotte Hornets, Embiid returned in the 126-107 win over the Chicago Bulls, finishing with 15 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists in 25 minutes.
Those numbers fall short of his usual standards, but his physical condition provides important context. After the game, the former MVP explained how he’s managing the foot discomfort.
It’s been going on for a few weeks now, and we’re trying to manage it. When the pain gets too bad, you have to take a step back. So far, we’ve been able to keep it under control, but there are good days and bad days
Joel Embiid
Embiid also acknowledged that the issue affects him during games.
You feel it while you’re on the court, so it definitely doesn’t help
Joel Embiid
This certainly isn’t the first time the Sixers big man has had to play through physical problems. Injuries have shaped much of his career, and Philadelphia now carefully manages his minutes, keeping him out of back-to-backs in an effort to have him in the best possible condition for the playoffs.
The good news for the Sixers is that the team is functioning without needing 30-point performances from its center every night.
For Embiid, though, there is one priority: finding a way to manage the issue without making it worse. The 76ers are showing they can win with a reduced contribution from their center, but to truly contend, they’ll need Embiid back at his best.