Joel Embiid expects to return to the Philadelphia 76ers lineup next week but will not take any risks to affect his long-term availability.
Embiid has missed the last five games with knee soreness and, unlike previous injuries, he is happy to follow the team's cautious approach to his return with a top-five seeding in the Eastern Conference seeming likely.
The All-Star center said if he had to play now, he could, but he would not want to risk further damage that could cost him more time with less than 20 games remaining in the regular season.
"Right now it's all about preserving, all about the playoffs," said Embiid after the 120-117 defeat against the Golden State Warriors.
"I've said it in the past, but I've matured a lot. I've learned not to fight on stupid stuff. If the team wants me to rest, I'll listen, and if I feel good, I'll play.
"But if I need some rest, at the end of the day, it's all about being healthy. I understand it."
Embiid played 23 minutes in the All-Star Game last month, his most recent action, but says being involved in that game did not cause his injury.
"All-Star Game, I was good," Embiid added. "It had nothing to do with playing in the All-Star Game. Nothing was bothering me.
"But after that, I just felt like with us being in a great position to make the playoffs, and at the end of the day, it's about making sure I'm good for the rest of my career and these playoffs."