Joel Embiid‘s mask has been one of the most talked about accessories of the NBA playoffs. On Thursday night, we finally got a look at what it will look like before he takes the floor in Game 3.
Reports came Thursday night that if Embiid were to play it would be with a slightly different, stronger mask than he had worn on the sideline during Game 2. And, indeed, Embiid took the court for warmups before Game 3 wearing a newer, though still black, mask. He also wore a snazzy pair of goggles.
Here's the mask! pic.twitter.com/Gxdi9NBLMV
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) April 19, 2018
Shelburne shared a bit more information about the mask itself and how it was made as well.
The mask Embiid is wearing tonight has protective eyewear built into it! It’s carbon AND poly carbonate. Hence, it’s stronger than a normal mask. Let’s just say this has been a super involved hi-tech project between the Sixers, Embiid’s camp and the independent league doctors.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) April 19, 2018
The mask and goggles combination really is something. Upon further inspection, the clear part of the goggles is actually part of the mask, unlike the open holes for his eyes in the earlier mask he wore.
Here's Joel Embiid warming up in Miami with what appears to be a new mask pic.twitter.com/dyATEifILk
— Enrico (@The700Level) April 19, 2018
Fans will get the chance to see the get up right away, as Embiid will indeed start the game.
76ers star Joel Embiid has been fully cleared to play — and start — in Game 3. Embiid is back.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 19, 2018
Sure, the look doesn’t sound particularly comfortable, but he’s the only one who has to wear it and he’s desperate to get on the court, so I guess he doesn’t have many other options. Embiid vented about being “babied” by the Sixers after he was held out of a Game 2 loss against the Heat. He’ll be able to play on Thursday as long as he, and that mask, holds up.
