There's no denying that Joel Embiid has been struggling with the face mask he's been required to wear to protect his orbital injury. The Sixers star looks quite uncomfortable with the facial accessory and he tends to remove it every chance he gets.

Be that as it may, Sixers head coach Doc Rivers revealed on Thursday that this isn't actually the biggest concern for his superstar. According to the 60-year-old shot-caller, Embiid's bigger issue is the hand injury he's currently nursing.

Article Continues Below
More Philadelphia 76ers News
76ers' Guerschon Yabusele surrounded by money
Ascending Western Conference squad named Guerschon Yabusele suitorAbdullah Imran ·
VJ Edgecombe and Johni Broome on the 76ers court
Philadelphia 76ers 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pickMatty Breisch ·
Philadelphia 76ers forward Justin Edwards (19) shoots the ball against the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
76ers sign breakout bench piece to 3-year contract extensionAbdullah Imran ·
Baylor Bears guard VJ Edgecombe (7) drives to the basket around Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Kevin Overton (1) during the second half at T-Mobile Center.
VJ Edgecombe gets touching gesture from 76ers Daryl MoreyMatty Breisch ·
Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (5) reacts after his dunk against the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
Andre Drummond makes $5 million decision for 2025-26 seasonZachary Draves ·
2025 NBA Draft, 76ers, Spurs
Sixers, Spurs highlight biggest winners of 2025 NBA DraftAlex House ·

“He hasn’t complained about that,” said Rivers, via Justin Grasso of SI.com. “That’s something I just wouldn’t know. I’ve never worn a mask. I think his hand would be more of an issue passing than the mask. You know, having something on your face has to affect something — a little bit of your vision — but I just don’t know the answer to it.”

Embiid is clearly banged up right now and you have to commend the Sixers big man for playing through the pain. After all, he doesn't have much of a choice as the Sixers face a tough test against the Miami Heat in the second round.

*Watch the NBA Playoffs LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*