Joel Embiid Diagnosed With Bell’s Palsy, Wears Sunglasses During Playoffs

PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis that he says began affecting him before the play-in tournament. The NBA MVP candidate wore sunglasses to his postgame press conference after scoring an impressive 50 points in Game 3 against the New York Knicks and revealed various symptoms such as blurred vision and dry eyes, which have affected both sides of his face and eye since about a “day or two” prior to their match-up with Miami on April 17. Embiid initially experienced migraines but dismissed them as nothing before seeking medical attention when he realised that something was amiss. The All-Star center acknowledged the situation is annoying, particularly given how it has affected his left side of face and eye, yet insisted that this would not serve as an excuse for him to give up or stop pushing through any challenges presented by Bell’s palsy. Embiid disclosed that he was unsure regarding the timeframe for when his symptoms may improve; however, in light of recent consultations with medical professionals, it could range anywhere between several weeks to multiple months as some resolution occurs on this ongoing saga. The Knicks currently lead their series 2-1 and Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday at home against Philadelphia. Embiid has worn sunglasses throughout the playoffs so far, including during his postgame interview after Game 2 with the camera set in a low position to avoid showcasing how much one side of his face had moved outwardly compared to its normal resting state on the other side.