Joel Embiid misses 76ers shootaround, listed as questionable ahead of Game 5 against Knicks: sources

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Philadelphia Sixers star Joel Embiid is listed as questionable for Tuesday night’s game against the New York Knicks, a must-win for the 76ers as they battle their way back from a 3-1 game deficit in Round 1 of the NBA playoffs.

Team sources told CBS News Philadelphia that Embiid’s status remains questionable due to left knee injury recovery and a migraine.

Sources also said Embiid missed Tuesday morning’s team shootaround.

Embiid dealing with Bell’s palsy diagnosis

Embiid, who was recently named to Team USA’s 12-man roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics, revealed last week that he’s being treated for Bell’s palsy. The condition can cause facial muscle weakness, pain and discomfort.

Though Embiid didn’t say how he’s receiving treatment, the 2023 NBA MVP admitted he’s experiencing migraines, a common symptom of the condition. Temple Health neurologist Dr. Leah Croll told CBS News Philadelphia that stadium noise during games might also be an issue.

“It’s pretty annoying,” Embiid said at a press conference following the Sixers victory on Thursday, April 26, their only win in the series so far. “It’s been tough, but I’m not a quitter, so I got to keep fighting through anything. It’s unfortunate, that’s the way I look at it. That’s not an excuse, I got to keep pushing.”

And push, he did. That night, Embiid scored 50 points to help the 76ers beat the Knicks 125-114 in Game 3.

Win or go home

Tuesday night’s game at Madison Square Garden in New York City is a must-win for Philadelphia. Down three games to one in a best-of-seven series, the 76ers would need to win three games in a row to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

The Sixers came close to tying up the series during Game 4 Sunday night but fell to the Knicks at the Wells Fargo Center. Though you might not have known it was a home game given how many New York fans traveled south to support their team.

“I love our fans but it was unfortunate. I’m not calling them out, but it is disappointing.” Embiid said of how Sixers fans appeared to be outnumbered at home Sunday night. Embiid added that he’s aware that Knicks fans often make the short train trip for the road games.

This is a developing story. CBS News Philadelphia will provide more details as new information becomes available.