Sources – Joel Embiid of the 76ers heading into his season debut

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has had several 5-on-5 bouts in recent days as he nears his season debut, sources told ESPN.

Embiid, who has not played this season due to what the team describes as left knee management, is expected to practice Thursday and Friday before the team determines his status for Saturday against the Memphis Grizzlies and beyond.

The 76ers (1-3) play at home against the Grizzlies on Saturday before embarking on a three-game road trip west next week in Phoenix on Monday, the LA Clippers on Wednesday and the Lakers on Friday.

The NBA fined the 76ers $100,000 on Tuesday for public comments about Embiid's health. Their investigation found that the Sixers did not violate player participation policies with Embiid's missed games, but did violate public comments that did not accurately reflect his health issues with his knee.

In its statement, the league cited comments from president of basketball operations Daryl Morey and coach Nick Nurse that were “contrary to Joel Embiid's medical condition and violated NBA rules.”

The NBA said it has confirmed that Embiid has been unable to play so far this season due to a left knee ailment.

Neither Embiid nor free-agent acquisition Paul George has played for Philadelphia this season. George is dealing with a bone bruise in his left knee.