Updated: 8:46 p.m.
Joel Embiid considers himself "unlikely" to play in the Sixers' first game of the postseason.
Wearing a black mask, Embiid spoke to the media Wednesday for the first time since suffering a left orbital fracture and concussion March 28.
Embiid said he has to take his return "day by day." While he's not ruling out Game 1, the likelihood of him taking the court is not strong.
"Unlikely," Embiid said. "But there's still a chance just basing on the way I've been feeling the past couple days and how well I've progressed. Unlikely, but I can see how it feels."
Embiid suffered the injuries during a collision with Markelle Fultz. Since then, he has been doing cardio and shooting, which he did before the Sixers' regular-season finale, but no contact. Embiid said he has experienced numbness but "really no pain."
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"Obviously I want to play but right now I feel like I'm not ready yet," Embiid said. "But it's getting there and I've just got to keep working every day. With the way it's been progressing, hopefully, I'll be back soon."
Embiid is getting used to wearing a mask. When he does return, the protective gear will have to be approved by the NBA. Embiid hopes they stamp off on a black mask, which he said helps with reflection.
Embiid wants to play, especially with the postseason kicking off this weekend, but he is being patient with this injury. Seeing how successful the Sixers have been as of late has made it easier for him to watch from the sidelines. The team is looking to end the regular season on a 16-game winning streak.
"I think a lot also has to do with how well the team has been doing without me," he said.
