The 76ers’ star center Joel Embiid missed the season opener and the next two games due to what the team described as “left knee injury management.” Furthermore, recent reports indicate that the NBA is preparing to probe the Philadelphia 76ers’ management of Joel Embiid’s playtime, particularly in light of his recent injury.
The investigation comes after the 76ers decided to rest their highest-paid player during the preseason and the first few games of the regular season, citing a plan to keep him healthy for the postseason.
However, the league is concerned that this strategy might violate its player participation policy, which requires teams to report injuries accurately and ensure star players participate in nationally televised games.
It is expected to begin later this week, with ESPN noting it’s common for the league to review situations involving superstar players like Embiid when they miss major televised matchups. It will likely focus on whether the 76ers’ approach to managing Embiid’s injury complies with league rules.
76ers prioritize Joel Embiid’s health first
Joel Embiid’s injury management comes after a challenging season where he played only 39 games and underwent knee surgery. He returned to play for Team USA at the Paris Olympics this summer and has been working on his recovery plan since then.
Reports now confirm Embiid will miss the first three games of the season. The 76ers say he’s responding well to his “individualized plan” and will soon increase his activity, including scrimmages with teammates. The team is being cautious to ensure Embiid is fully ready for a potential playoff run.
