The NBA has begun an investigation into the Philadelphia 76ers regarding the participation of All-Star center Joel Embiid, per Shams Charania of ESPN.
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The Sixers and Embiid have been open about the idea that Embiid may not play in back-to-back games this season for injury management, mostly regarding his left knee. Embiid didn't play at all in the preseason.
He also missed Philadelphia's season-opening loss to the Bucks and is expected to be held out for the first week of the season. The Sixers-Bucks game was televised by ESPN.
As Charania noted, the NBA generally will review/investigate a team when a star player misses a nationally broadcast game.
"This is part of the new normal for Embiid this season, according to sources, a strategy to keep the former NBA MVP healthy for the postseason," Charania wrote. "The plan has been expected to include periodic time off during the regular season and routine evaluations from doctors and the 76ers' medical staff, those sources said."
Embiid, of course, has come under plenty of fire for this decision, although it doesn't appear as if it's entirely his. The plan, it seems, was outlined and is being implemented by the 76ers.
"We're going to be smart about it," team president Daryl Morey told ESPN before the season. "Part of being smart about it is having both (Paul George) and Joel probably not play many back-to-backs, if any."
What the investigation may find or determine, however, remains to be seen. It's hard to envision the league forcing Embiid to play or punishing Philadelphia.
(This post originally appeared on Hoops Wire and was syndicated with permission)
