Reports: Joel Embiid’s recent absence may trigger NBA investigation

b Joel Embiid – upload.wikimedia.org

Reports suggested that the NBA would likely investigate the unexpected removal of Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid from the lineup before the tip-off of Saturday’s game against the Denver Nuggets — in which the Sixers lost 111-105 to the Nuggets.

Embiid was not listed in the injury report despite showing signs of re-injuring his left knee on Thursday’s 134-122 loss to the Indiana Pacers. He convinced the public he would play on Saturday’s game to face the Nuggets’ two-time MVP, Nikola Jokić. However, the player was ruled out 15 minutes before the game due to his injury.

I haven’t been feeling too well, but I just got to keep battling

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid.

Nuggets coach Michael Malone complained about Embiid’s absence from Saturday’s game.

“I don’t know how you go from being active and available to out,” said Malone. “We have had situations this year when we talked to the league, they told us if a player goes from active to out, there’s going to be an investigation.”

The Player Participation Policy explicitly stated that any team would be fined for failing to follow the resting policy and injury reporting mandates.

A first violation would result in a $100,000 fine and a second offense would carry a $250,000 fine, followed by $1 million for repeat offenders, as stated in the policy.

Embiid’s MVP risk

Embiid missed Monday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers due to his knee injury, as reported by his team. Consequently, he would risk losing the opportunity to secure consecutive MVP awards.

To be eligible for the NBA’s regular awards, including MVP, players have to participate in at least 65 games, according to the new bargaining agreement. Embiid has missed 12 games this season, so missing five more games would make him ineligible for MVP awards.

The player scored 70 points in the game against the San Antonio Spurs, marking the best score in his career. Embiid leads the NBA with 36 points, 11.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists this season.

Meanwhile, his rival Jokić led the Nuggets to victory against the Sixers, scoring 26 points and 16 rebounds. He made 26.3 points, 12.1 rebounds and 9 assists this season.