Philadelphia 76ers' star Joel Embiid shares he is suffering from a condition called Bell’s Palsy

Joel Embiid, of the Philadelphia 76ers' has been diagnosed with Bell's palsy, a kind of facial paralysis that he claims has been affecting him since the play-in round. Embiid wore the sunglasses to the platform after scoring 50 points in the Sixers' Game 3 victory against the New York Knicks, and he stated that he has had symptoms such as blurred vision and dry eyes.

Embiid stated he began feeling the symptoms approximately a "day or two" before the Philadelphia 76ers play-in tournament game against the Miami Heat on April 17. In the Sixers' playoff-clinching victory, Embiid recorded 23 points and 15 rebounds. Embiid complained of headaches but "thought it was nothing" before letting physicians know he wasn't feeling well. 

According to AP News, Joel Embiid stated, “My body was just, I was just not feeling it.” “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.”

"It could be months" - Joel Embiid on his condition

Last season NBA MVP Joel Embiid took shot 13 of 19 from the field, converted 19 of 21 free throws, and nailed five three-pointers in Game 3. Embiid has been wearing sunglasses throughout the series and held a Game 2 postgame interview with his head down in front of his locker to cover up his symptoms. Embiid expressed that he doesn't know how long it will take to heal from Bell's palsy.

As per AP News Joel Embiid added that, “It hasn’t really necessarily gotten better.” “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.”