NBA opens investigation into Joel Embiid’s playing status after 76ers star misses season opener

By TIM REYNOLDS The Associated Press

Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid, top left, and Paul George, bottom right, watch from the bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Matt Slocum]

The NBA is investigating why Philadelphia center Joel Embiid did not play in the team’s nationally televised season opener against Milwaukee.

The league confirmed the investigation on Thursday. It was opened as part of the NBA’s player participation policy that went into effect last season.

Such a move was to be expected. The NBA has said that any time a star player misses a game — it defines “star” as someone who was an All-Star or All-NBA selection in any of the previous three seasons, and Embiid is one of those — an investigation can be opened to “promote compliance” with league rules and can include “independent medical review and related determinations regarding player availability.”

Embiid — who helped the U.S. win Olympic gold at the Paris Games — missed the entire preseason and was ruled out for Wednesday’s opener against Milwaukee with the 76ers citing “left knee injury management.” Embiid has a long history of injury issues, including knee problems.

Embiid has never played more than 68 games in a season and was limited to 39 last season in large part because of knee surgery.

It is not clear how long the investigation will take. Philadelphia was also without Paul George for Wednesday’s game; he suffered a bone bruise during the preseason.

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