Embiid says he’s focused on ‘getting healthy,’ not All-Star availability originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Joel Embiid may very well go from All-Star reserve to starter to non-participant.
After helping the Sixers secure a fourth straight win before the break, Embiid emphasized that his health is a greater priority than any All-Star festivities.
“That’s not where my focus is,” he said following the Sixers’ victory over the Cavs. “My focus is on getting healthy. I haven’t been healthy. I’ve been having this lingering foot issue, according to the doctors, which needs a lot of rest and staying off my feet. … The focus is on winning, especially being ready for the second half of the season and the playoffs.
“I’m focused on winning a championship and whatever helps me get there healthy, that’s what I’m going to do. We’re going to see how it goes. Obviously, like the doctor said, I just need rest and to stay off my feet. So we’re going to see.”
If he sits out Sunday night’s All-Star Game in Salt Lake City, Utah, Embiid would have many valid reasons.
Though he’s played in 17 of the Sixers’ last 18 games, Embiid has lately been listed as questionable before each contest. He missed four games in late November with a left mid-foot sprain and three in early January with left foot soreness.
After playing in the 2019 All-Star Game, Embiid sat out eight games in a row because of a left knee injury that bothered him through the remainder of the season, including the playoffs. This year, he clearly wants to be available and as close to 100 percent as possible the rest of the way.
“I’m not sure,” Embiid said when asked whether he’ll play Sunday. “I’m not healthy. I haven’t been healthy for the past three weeks or month. I was just trying to get to the All-Star break without missing more. … I feel like I’ve gotten to the point where I really need to follow the doctor’s advice. Back then, he said I should’ve been sitting for two weeks. We’ll see how the next few days go and go from there.”
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Embiid’s 29 points Wednesday were a little over four…
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