The NBA has launched an inquiry regarding Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid’s absence from the team’s highly publicized season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks.
The league confirmed the initiation of this investigation on Thursday, aligning it with its player participation policy that was implemented the previous season.

This response was anticipated. The NBA has established that whenever a key player misses a game—defined as anyone who has received All-Star or All-NBA honors in any of the last three seasons, which includes Embiid—an investigation can commence.
The purpose of this is to “enhance adherence” to league regulations and may entail an “independent medical review” alongside assessments concerning player availability.

Embiid, who played a pivotal role in leading the U.S. to a gold medal at the recent Paris Olympics, missed all of the preseason activities.
He was ruled out for the opener against the Bucks due to “management of a left knee injury,” as stated by the 76ers.
Embiid’s injury history is significant, particularly with chronic knee issues affecting his career.

Historically, Embiid has not participated in more than 68 games in a single season; last season he managed to play just 39 games, primarily due to knee surgery.
The duration of this investigation remains uncertain. Additionally, the 76ers were also missing Paul George for the Wednesday matchup, who was sidelined due to a bone bruise sustained during the preseason.