Why Were 76ers Fined by NBA Over Joel Embiid's Injury Status?

The Philadelphia 76ers have been fined by the NBA for violating the league's rules on injury reporting related to Joel Embiid.

Philadelphia was docked $100,000 for failing to accurately report Embiid's status prior to a Nov. 30 game against the Atlanta Hawks.

The 76ers initial injury report released in the afternoon listed Embiid as being out, but it was later changed to questionable.

Embiid wound up starting and playing 30 minutes against the Hawks. He scored 18 points in Philadelphia's 142-134 double-overtime loss. Head coach Nick Nurse did keep the seven-time All-Star on the bench for the entire second overtime.

Sunday was Embiid's first appearance since Nov. 8 due to knee soreness. It also marked the first time he was on the floor with Tyrese Maxey and Paul George in the same game since Feb. 22.

"I think they're just trying to get it to where he feels good enough to play," Nurse told reporters about Embiid's knee prior to tipoff against Atlanta.

This is not the first time the 76ers have been disciplined by the NBA regarding Embiid's health. They were fined $100,000 in October 2024 stemming from comments by Nurse and president of basketball operations Daryl Morey that were "inconsistent with Joel Embiid's health status and in violation of NBA rules."

Embiid has played in seven out of a possible 20 games so far this season. The former NBA MVP is averaging career-lows in minutes (24.3), points (19.4) and rebounds (5.3) per game while the Sixers carefully manage his playing time.

Despite Embiid and George only playing a combined 13 games thus far, the Sixers are off to an 11-9 start. They will host the Golden State Warriors on Thursday.