Injury woes continue to plague Philadelphia 76ers' star player, Joel Embiid, as the team struggles in the NBA playoffs. The 7-foot center has a history of battling various physical hindrances, and the shortened recovery windows in the later rounds have played a significant role in his struggles to advance beyond the second round.

Embiid's postseason journey has been marred by injuries. In 2018, he suffered a fractured orbital bone, which required him to wear a customized, indestructible mask for protection. The following year, knee tendinitis limited his mobility. His only healthy playoff run was in the 2020 Orlando bubble, where he played without his running mate, Ben Simmons.

But the 2021 and 2022 playoffs brought more challenges for Embiid. In 2021, he underwent surgery for a torn meniscus, causing him to miss a game in the first round against the Washington Wizards. In 2022, Embiid encountered another orbital fracture and a concussion after an elbow from Pascal Siakam in the opening round series against the Toronto Raptors. He also played through a torn thumb ligament.

In the current series against the New York Knicks, the physicality on the court has intensified. Embiid's swipe at Knicks center Mitchell Robinson's legs, which led to Robinson's injury, sparked controversy and outcry from both fans and players. Knicks players deemed Embiid's action as dangerous and reckless.

As the playoffs progress, injuries continue to affect other teams as well. New Orleans Pelicans' Zion Williamson's hamstring injury has dashed their postseason hopes, while the Miami Heat is missing Jimmy Butler. Phoenix Suns' Grayson Allen's absence due to injury has also impacted their lineup as they trail 3-0 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The NBA playoffs are a grueling two-month gauntlet that tests teams' ability to survive and advance. The balance of power can shift dramatically with a single injury, as seen in the cases of Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson in previous years. The Milwaukee Bucks are facing a 2-1 deficit against the Indiana Pacers as Giannis Antetokounmpo nurses a calf strain, highlighting the importance of caution in managing injuries.

The New York Knicks have already entered the playoffs without Julius Randle, who underwent season-ending shoulder surgery. The team's front office is now assessing how their postseason build could look without Randle, while relying on key players such as three Villanova champions and trade deadline acquisition OG Anunoby.

Sunday's Game 4 between the 76ers and the Knicks will be a crucial moment for both teams. Embiid and the ailing Philadelphia squad will be aiming to even the series and overcome their injury struggles.

Injuries are an unfortunate reality of the NBA playoffs, where rest and recovery become crucial factors in a team's success. As the postseason unfolds, the league and its teams must navigate the challenges of physical limitations while striving for the ultimate goal of becoming the last team standing in June.