Joel Embiid said he took a long-term perspective in his decision to sit out recent Philadelphia 76ers games. 

"It's all about long-term preservation and making sure I'm ready not just for the playoffs, but also for the next 15 years. Knowing the team, what we've been through, and knowing me and I like to push everything, I like to play through anything. We just felt like it was better to preserve," said Embiid.

Embiid added that he could play now if he had to despite feeling discomfort in his knee.

"Game by game, I felt like it was getting worse...I didn't feel comfortable. Coming from me you know that if I don't want to push through anything, I really need [the rest]."

Embiid added that he plans on coming back next week.