The NBA has imposed a $100,000 fine on the Philadelphia 76ers for providing “inconsistent” updates regarding the condition of their All-Star center, Joel Embiid, who is currently sidelined due to what the organization refers to as left knee management.
Embiid was absent from the highly anticipated season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks, which was broadcast nationally.
The league has confirmed that the investigation aligns with the NBA’s player participation policy, which was implemented last season to promote transparency regarding player health.
Both Embiid and Paul George missed the entire road trip against the Toronto Raptors and the Indiana Pacers. As a result, the 76ers hold a 1-2 record as they prepare for a home matchup against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. Tyrese Maxey stepped up significantly, scoring 10 of Philadelphia’s 13 points in overtime and finishing with a remarkable 45 points, leading the 76ers to a 118-114 victory over the Pacers, marking their first win of the season.
The 76ers are set to host the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night.
Last season, Embiid participated in only 39 games, primarily due to knee surgery following a meniscus tear in his left knee sustained on January 30 against the Golden State Warriors. He made a comeback for the playoffs but faced additional challenges, including a diagnosis of Bell’s palsy during a first-round exit against the New York Knicks.
Embiid secured a lucrative $193 million contract prior to training camp. The 76ers have not advanced past the second round of the playoffs since 2001, largely due to Embiid’s ongoing health issues.
Statistically, the Sixers recorded an impressive 31-8 record with Embiid on the court, contrasting sharply with a 16-27 record in his absence.
Ahead of the current season, Embiid disclosed that he had shed approximately 25 to 30 pounds, aiming to improve his fitness for the demanding schedule while ensuring he does not rush back from any potential knee issues.
Drafted as the No. 3 pick in 2014, Embiid’s career has been marred by injuries, causing him to miss his first two full seasons. Since his debut season in 2016, he has participated in 433 out of 804 possible regular-season games and only 59 out of 67 playoff games.
During the 2023 playoffs, Embiid sprained his right knee, sidelining him for crucial games against the Brooklyn Nets and the Boston Celtics. He has faced various injuries in previous playoff seasons, including missing two games in the 2022 second round and another in the 2021 first round, in addition to two games in the 2018 playoffs due to an orbital fracture and another in 2019 because of a knee issue.
