Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown told local reporters in Chicago that he is “trying to deliver” superstar big man Joel Embiid “to the playoffs healthy.”

Embiid hasn't played post-All-Star break because of left knee soreness.

“We are still going through that. There has been no decision officially on that. The bottom line is we have come this far in relation to rest after the All Star break — personally, I am at a stage where if it requires more time, so be it,” Brown told Malika Andrews of ESPN.

“The end game is obvious: it is trying to deliver him to the playoffs healthy. I do look up from time to time and pay attention to the calendar. It's not like you have an abundance of time.”

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Because Joel Embiid has an extensive injury history, the Sixers are being cautious with him.

In 54 games this season, Embiid is averaging 27.3 points, 13.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists. The two-time All-Star is shooting 48.2 percent from the field, 29.5 percent from beyond the arc and 81.1 percent from the free-throw line.

Embiid has 48 double-doubles and one triple-double on the season. The Sixers are 36-18 when he's in the lineup and 41-23 overall on the season.

If Philly wants to win the Eastern Conference, they will need a fresh and healthy Embiid.