Joel Embiid Talks of Wearing 'Annoying' Mask Ahead of 76ers vs. Celtics Series

Just because Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is required to wear a mask on the court after suffering a fractured orbital bone, doesn't mean the 2018 All-Star has to like it.

Embiid told reporters Monday his vision is impaired when he has the mask on and that the mask is generally a hassle to wear during games.

"I should probably always wear it to get used to it," he said, per ESPN.com's Ian Begley. "But it's annoying, so I don't feel shooting with it. ... Besides game time, I don't really see the point in wearing it."

Embiid debuted the specially made mask in Philadelphia's Game 3 win over the Miami Heat in the first round. Almost immediately, it became apparent he wanted to play without the protective gear, and his disgust was visible when Heat forward Justise Winslow purposefully stepped on the plastic goggle portion:

Although Embiid said the mask is limiting what he can see on the court, that wasn't reflected in his production against Miami. He averaged 18.7 points, 10.3 rebounds and 3.0 blocks in three games. He also shot 41.7 percent from the field and hit three of his eight three-point attempts.

According to Begley, Embiid hopes team doctors will allow him to get rid of the mask in roughly two weeks, which would mean he'll have to wear it for at least another series.

The 76ers start their second-round matchup with the Boston Celtics on Monday night, and the series would run through May 13 if it goes the full seven games.