NBA likely to investigate 76ers as Joel Embiid begins season on the bench with injury: report

The NBA is expected to open an investigation into the Philadelphia 76ers regarding MVP center Joel Embiid's player involvement, according to reports.

ESPN reported Wednesday that the investigation is likely to begin this week and that it is typical for the league to conduct a review every time a superstar like Embiid misses a nationally televised game.

Embiid did not play at all during the 76ers' preseason games as the organization cited treatment for an injury in his left knee.

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April 12, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on during a break in the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Wells Fargo Center. (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)

However, that management will have to go further as the regular season begins, as Embiid is expected to miss Philly's first three games this week, starting with Wednesday's opener against the Milwaukee Bucks, followed by the Toronto Raptors on Friday and the Indiana Pacers on Sunday.

The 76ers added that Embiid responded well to his “individualized plan” and is expected to begin accelerating his recovery to prepare for the game, including participating in battles with his teammates.

However, both 76ers and NBA fans should expect this precautionary measure for Embiid from the organization going forward, as ESPN reports that it is in Philadelphia's best interest to ensure Embiid is healthy for the postseason.

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The same goes for Paul George, the veteran small forward they acquired this offseason for their title hopefuls, as neither is expected to play back-to-back this year.

Embiid told ESPN: “If I had to guess, I would probably never play back-to-back games for the rest of my career.”

Last season, Embiid only played in 39 games due to injury, although he was able to return for the team's playoff series against the New York Knicks. However, Embiid still battled injuries during this series, which included Bell's palsy.

Joel Embiid #11 of Team USA looks on before the game against the Serbia men's national team at Stade Pierre Mauroy on July 28, 2024 in Paris, France. (Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Embiid was able to play for Team USA at this year's Paris Olympics, where his efforts helped them win gold overseas.

The NBA's player participation policy was established to make star players available for nationally televised games as well as the in-season tournament. Teams are not allowed to take players out of the game for long periods of time unless they are dealing with an injury.

The policy also states that players must participate in at least 65 of the 82 regular-season contests to be eligible for league honors, including MVP and All-NBA teams.

Embiid is a one-time MVP of the 2022-23 season and has made All-NBA five times. He was also the league's consecutive top scorer in 2021–22 and 2022–23.

Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on April 28, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

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Last season, Embiid averaged a whopping 34.7 points per contest with 11.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game in his limited time, earning his seventh consecutive All-Star Game appearance.

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