Embiid on post-COVID struggles: 'Going to take me a while to get back'

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid says he is still working off some rust as he returns to play following his recent bout with COVID-19.

Embiid missed nine games after producing a positive test and recently detailed how COVID-19 severely impacted him while he was sidelined. He returned with a dominant 42-point performance in a double-overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves but has struggled to score efficiently in two games since.

"I would never use it as an excuse, but obviously I think it's going to take me a while to get back, especially legs and cardio and all that stuff," Embiid said following the 76ers' 88-87 loss to the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Tim Bontemps.

The All-Star big man shot 3-of-17 against the Celtics, following up a 4-of-16 outing versus the Orlando Magic on Monday.

"I can't be playing the way I've played these last two games, especially when it comes to shotmaking," Embiid said. "If teams are going to double me and I'm not going to get easy baskets, I have to create for myself and my teammates, and I've got to make those shots."

Despite his poor shooting, Embiid helped facilitate for his teammates against Boston, tying the team-high with six assists.

Philadelphia is looking to reclimb the Eastern Conference standings following Embiid's return. After an 8-2 start, the 76ers now sit 11-11 after dealing with multiple injuries and the continued absence of star guard Ben Simmons.