The NBA could investigate Joel Embiid for not playing on opener

Share News

NBA odds and news:

The NBA could start an Investigation on Joel Embiid for not playing on opener

Is it a strategic move or a problem for the league?

The Philadelphia 76ers began the 2024-25 season at home without several of their stars, including Joel Embiid. Offseason acquisition Paul George is also out with a knee injury, but Embiid’s absence is part of a planned strategy.

A Calculated Return

After undergoing surgery for a torn lateral meniscus in January, Embiid returned in April for the playoffs. Although he was healthy enough to join the U.S. men’s basketball team and win a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the team has decided to keep him out for the first three regular-season games due to “load management.”

The League’s Watchful Eye

According to some sources, the NBA will investigate the 76ers to determine whether they have violated the league’s player participation policy. This guideline, approved before the 2023-24 season, ensures that healthy star players are available for all nationally televised games and the NBA In-Season Tournament. The NBA ODDS could be affected by this situation as bettors analyze Embiid´s availability.

Embiid’s recent statement about not playing in back-to-back games also drew criticism, including from legendary player Kevin Garnett. However, the situation may not be as serious as it seems. Although he doesn’t have an injury designation, he was seen wearing a brace on his left knee, which reinforces the team’s argument for his absence.

Moreover, the league might want to look around: Zion Williamson missed the Pelicans’ opener due to illness, while Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard will be out for “weeks” due to knee inflammation. Both, like Embiid, are following a program to maintain their effectiveness throughout the season.

The league is not viewing positively the situation where several high-income players with contracts are injured year after year and are unable to play for extended periods. This raises many questions, especially since they are stars and franchise players, affecting the performance of their clubs, even resulting in absences during important postseason games.

Embiid’s situation and the 76ers are hot topics, but with so many players in similar circumstances, it may just be another part of the game in this exciting NBA season.