Sixers' Embiid -- Health a concern, All-Star Game no certainty

PHILADELPHIA — Joel Embiid said after Wednesday night's 118-112 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers at Wells Fargo Center that he doesn't know if he'll be able to play in Sunday's All-Star Game.

«I'm not sure,» the Philadelphia 76ers star said after collecting 29 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and a block in 39 minutes against Cleveland. «I'm not healthy. I haven't been healthy for the past three weeks, or month. I was just trying to get to the All-Star break without missing games and stuff. But I feel like I've reached the point where I need to follow the doctor's advice… back then he said I should have been sitting for two weeks, so we'll see how the next few days go, and go from there.»

Embiid was questionable to play against Cleveland due to left foot soreness — the exact designation he's had for the past several games. He played in each of them, but only after testing his foot out pregame and getting the go ahead by the team about 30 minutes before tipoff.

It hasn't stopped Embiid from being productive. He was named Eastern Conference Player of the Month for both December and January, and is second in the NBA in scoring behind Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic.

But when asked if being an injury replacement for All-Star starter Kevin Durant serves as motivation for him to try to win the game's Most Valuable Player award, he said his focus will instead be on getting healthy.

«I haven't been healthy,» he said. «I've been having this lingering foot issue. According to the doctors, which needs a lot of rest and staying off my feet.

»Like I said, the focus is on winning, especially getting ready for the second half of the season and the playoffs. I'm focused on winning a championship. If that helps me get there