One of the NBA's hottest players has received concerning news regarding his health.
NBA All-Star Joel Embiid revealed he was diagnosed earlier this month with Bell's palsy, a condition that causes a sudden weakness or drooping in the muscles on one side of the face.
The Philadelphia 76ers center was wearing sunglasses while speaking to the press Thursday after the Sixers' 125-114 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the playoffs series.
Embiid said he initially experienced migraines a "day or two" before playing the Miami Heat on April 17, but brushed it off. But when they didn't subside he finally notified doctors. He's experienced other symptoms including dry eyes and blurred vision.
"My body was just, I was just not feeling it," Embiid said. "Yes, it's pretty annoying. My left side of my face, my mouth and my eye. It's been tough. But I'm not a quitter. I'm going to keep fighting through anything. It's unfortunate, that's the way I look at it. But it's not an excuse. I've got to keep pushing."
Despite his symptoms, Embiid made five 3-pointers in Game 3 Thursday, and made 19 of 21 free throws.
Embiid said it's unclear how long it will take to recover from the condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, Bell's palsy symptoms "usually start to improve within a few weeks, with complete recovery in about six months," though some people may continue to experience symptoms for life.
"It hasn't really necessarily gotten better," he said. "With the conversations that I've had, it could be weeks, it could be months. I just hope that it stays like this. I've got a beautiful face. I don't like when my mouth is looking the other way. Unfortunate situation but everything happens for a reason."
The Knicks currently lead the series 2-1, with Game 4 scheduled for Sunday in Philadelphia.
-- with reporting by TMX
