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.
Reporting by The Associated Press.
[Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily .]
FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience
National Basketball Association
Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid
Get more from National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. This website makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact editor @pleasantgrove.business
