Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid has been wearing a protective mask since his return from an orbital bone fracture, as most hoops fans know. Though he admits the mask bothers him at times, it certainly hasn't hindered his performance on the floor. Now, with his team advancing to the second round, Embiid has coined a name for the protective device: “The Phantom of the Process.”

Embiid spoke to members of the media with regards to the “fog” that builds up inside his mask after Monday morning's practice session. The former Kansas Jayhawk tells ESPN's Ian Begley that the team is working towards a solution for the issue.

“Joel Embiid said the Sixers tried to ‘find a solution to the fogginess' that builds up inside his protective mask during their layoff between series,” Begley reports. “He says the mask is still ‘annoying.'”

Embiid missed 21 days of action due to his facial injury. To be frank, he's been a monster for the Sixers since returning to the lineup. In Tuesday night's 104-91 series-clinching Game 5 win over the Miami Heat, Embiid racked up 19 points and 12 rebounds.

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All of a sudden, the Sixers — winners of 10 games two seasons ago — are now through to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs for the first time since 2012.

“I kind of promised the city this,” Embiid told ESPN.

Sixers head coach Brett Brown was showered with water and sports drinks in the locker after Tuesday's win, but it sounds like he wants his team to stay focused on the task at hand.

“We've got more to do. We've got more to give,” coach Brown said.

Embiid and the Sixers will face the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Monday night. Tip-off inside TD Garden is set for 8:00 p.m. EST with TNT having live broadcast coverage.