The NBA is looking into why Philadelphia center Joel Embiid did not play in the team’s season opener against Milwaukee, which was shown on national television.
The league announced the investigation on Thursday, part of a policy that started last season regarding player participation.
This action was expected, as the NBA stated that whenever a star player misses a game—defined as someone who has been an All-Star or All-NBA selection in the past three seasons, which includes Embiid—an investigation may be initiated.
This is done to ensure compliance with league rules and can involve an independent medical review to determine the player’s availability.
Embiid, who helped the U.S. win gold at the Paris Olympics, missed all of preseason and was ruled out for the opener due to “left knee injury management.” He has a history of injury issues, especially with his knees.
He has never played more than 68 games in a season and was limited to 39 games last season primarily due to knee surgery.
It’s unclear how long the investigation will last. The 76ers also did not have Paul George for the game; he is recovering from a bone bruise he suffered during preseason.
