During another postseason run for the Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid has struggled to stay healthy.
When Embiid played in Game 4 against the Boston Celtics in round one, he was 17 days removed from surgery. After Game 1 against the New York Knicks, Embiid missed the follow-up matchup due to hip soreness and a sprained ankle.
The star center returned to the court on Friday night for Game 3 between the Sixers and the Knicks. Embiid checked in for 35 minutes. He shot 7-17 from the field, 0-4 from three, and 4-6 from the charity stripe to score 18 points.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 25: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bulls at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 25, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Along with his scoring, Embiid came down with six rebounds, blocked three shots, and produced five assists.
The 76ers lost 108-94.
Joel Embiid Addressed The State Of His Health After Game 3
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 22: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during a game against the Houston Rockets at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Since the first round, Embiid hasn’t had too much to say on the health front. It’s clear the veteran center doesn’t want his health concerns front and center throughout the playoff run.
But based on his last couple of showings, it’s worth asking.
“I’m OK,” Embiid assured reporters. “Obviously tough loss tonight. Just gotta take it one at a time.”
The Sixers Are In A Bad Spot
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 12: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacersat the Wells Fargo Center on November 12, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
If the Sixers managed to win their second-round series against the Knicks, they would be making NBA history. No team has a 0-3 turnaround for a win.
The Sixers have a 1-3 comeback this postseason, so they’ve proven to beat the odds before. But the combination of bad odds and the eye test says the Sixers have a slim chance of finally getting to the Eastern Conference Finals during the Embiid era.
“Just take it one game at a time,” Embiid added.
“Obviously, just came back from down 3-1. This is tough. Just going in and understanding that we can’t get it all back in one game. Win one, focus on the next one, win the next one, and that should be the mentality that we have early on. Just got to have that belief and believe that you can do it.”
The Sixers will be back for Game 4 on Sunday, May 10.