Apr 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) sits on the bench between the third and fourth quarters of game 5 of the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports Brad Penner
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the "NBA is likely to begin an investigation later this week into the Philadelphia 76ers surrounding the player participation of All-NBA center Joel Embiid."
The NBA is likely to commence an investigation into the Philadelphia 76ers surrounding the player participation of All-NBA center Joel Embiid, sources told ESPN. More to come on NBA Today on ESPN right now. pic.twitter.com/WwZNHgLLcl
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 23, 2024
The Sixers will be without the former MVP as they open the season Wednesday evening against the Milwaukee Bucks. The team provided the following update Tuesday on Embiid, as relayed by On Pattison's Austin Krell:
JOEL EMBIID is responding well to his individualized plan and is expected to ramp up his return to play activities this week, including scrimmaging. He will not play in games this week and will be re-evaluated this weekend.
— Austin Krell (@NBAKrell) October 22, 2024
Paul George is recovering well and is expected to ramp up on-court activities early this week. He is out Wednesday vs. Milwaukee and his return to play will be assessed later in the week.
In the era of load management, this feels like a rather shocking development.
Then again, Embiid had surgery on his left meniscus in February. He returned in early April, ultimately playing in the final five games of the regular season, the play-in game against the Miami Heat and the six games against the New York Knicks during the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Embiid then also played for Team USA during the Olympics. There have been no reported setbacks from Embiid since, yet he sat out all six preseason games and is expected to be out for the first three games of the regular season, at least. It's one thing to try to pace Embiid, but this might be a bit too blatant considering he doesn't currently have an injury.
This story will be updated with more information as it comes out...
