NBA Imposes $100,000 Fine on 76ers for Misleading Injury Statements Regarding Embiid

The Philadelphia 76ers have been fined $100,000 by the NBA for public statements that contradicted the health status of center Joel Embiid, violating the league's player participation policy, the NBA announced on Tuesday.

The league identified Sixers head of basketball operations Daryl Morey and head coach Nick Nurse as the individuals who made these public comments. However, the NBA did not specify which statements were deemed in violation.

Following an investigation, it was confirmed that Embiid was unable to play due to a left knee injury, indicating that his absence from games was compliant with the player participation policy. The NBA determined that while Embiid did not sustain a new injury during the Olympics, his knee was unstable enough to pose a risk of further damage if he resumed play. This assessment validated the Sixers' official injury designation of "left knee injury management," according to sources cited by The Athletic's Joe Vardon and Sam Amick.

Under a policy established last season, the NBA is authorized to review situations where a star player sits out a nationally televised game. The league initiated an investigation last week after Embiid missed the season opener.

Embiid previously missed 29 games at the conclusion of last season following surgery to address a meniscus injury in his left knee. He also missed the entire preseason and has yet to participate in a regular-season game.

Currently, the 76ers hold a record of 1-2 and are set to face the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, although Embiid will not be available for the matchup. Last season, the 76ers were fined twice for a total of $175,000 for failing to accurately disclose Embiid's injury status.