The Philadelphia 76ers are currently tied for first place with the Brooklyn Nets in the Eastern Conference. The Sixers have been extremely consistent this season with Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Tobias Harris leading the way. They have a great shot at earning the first seed in the postseason, giving them home-court advantage for their playoff run.

Even with the team succeeding this year, Embiid has been struggling from beyond the arc recently. After Saturday's win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Embiid offered up a realistic and blunt reason for his recent struggles:

Embiid has been wearing a brace after an injury scare back in March that kept him out for a few weeks. It seems to be bothering him enough to make his shot slightly off. Since returning, the Sixers star has made just one out of 14 3-point attempts.

Article Continues Below
More Philadelphia 76ers News
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid reacts after the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Wells Fargo Center.
Shaq puts 76ers’ Joel Embiid on blast with NSFW mic dropZachary Howell ·
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts with guard Tyrese Maxey (0) against the Dallas Mavericks in the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center
76ers rumors: The plan for Joel Embiid-Paul George-Tyrese Maxey coreJake Faigus ·
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) dribbles against Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) during the first quarter at Delta Center.
NBA rumors: Jazz insider claims 76ers interested in draft trade to get off Paul GeorgeJulian Ojeda ·
76ers news: Ace Bailey’s draft odds take hit after mysterious report, VJ Edgecombe
Sources: Ace Bailey calls off 76ers meeting, workout days before NBA DraftBrett Siegel ·
Ace Bailey talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago.
NBA rumors: Why scout claims Ace Bailey is ‘not a butthead’ before critical 76ers meetingBenedetto Vitale ·
Philadelphia 76ers resident of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey speaks with the media before a game against the Detroit Pistons at Wells Fargo Center.
76ers rumors: ESPN labels ‘leader in the clubhouse’ for No. 3 pick in new mock draftZachary Weinberger ·

It's the price Embiid has to pay to keep himself healthy. Having the brace tire out his legs quickly is less than ideal, especially with the playoffs lurking in the near distance. The Sixers are in a championship window right now, and if they don't get one within these next couple of years, the window might shut completely.

Philadelphia has its best chance to win this year, but Embiid should be more worried about the longevity of his career than a ring. With 19 games left in the regular season, it could be enough time for Embiid to make the right adjustments to his shot while wearing the leg brace. The Sixers need his shooting if they hope to make a deep run in the playoffs.

We'll see if he can get back on track in his next game, as Philadelphia faces the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night.