NBA Announces Punishment For 76ers Star Joel Embiid

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated Nov 2, 2025 3:35 PM ET

Joel Embiid will reportedly be down a few dollars after Philadelphia's Halloween loss to the Boston Celtics.

After starting the season 4-0, the Sixers dropped their first game to the Boston Celtics on Friday night despite Embiid's 20 points, six rebounds and two blocks and the backcourt of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe combining for 42 points and 19 assists.

The Sixers fell to Boston 109-108 on a late three-point attempt from Embiid. But it was something the 2022 MVP did earlier in the game that caught the league's attention and led to him receiving a five-figure fine.

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 20: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the New York Knicks during Round 1 Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on April 20, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images

NBA fines Embiid for 'lewd' behavior

Per Hall of Fame basketball reporter David Aldridge, the NBA has fined Philly's star center $50,000 for his conduct at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

"Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has been fined $50,000 for making a lewd gesture on the playing court, it was announced today by James Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations," the NBA shared.

"The incident occurred with 7:08 remaining in the first quarter of the 76ers' loss to the Boston Celtics on Oct. 31 at Xfinity Mobile Arena."

NBA fines Joel Embiid $50K: pic.twitter.com/ClWukI1hpN
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) November 2, 2025

Joel Embiid responds to fine

Taking to social media shortly after the announcement, Embiid called the NBA out on its inconsistency when it comes to player and referee conduct — which very likely will result in another fine for the seven-time All-Star.

"Yall better start fining the refs for doing the 'Lewd', 'blocking foul' gesture since I’m not allowed to do it," the two-time scoring champ tweeted. "#NFL"

Yall better start fining the refs for doing the “Lewd”, “blocking foul” gesture since I’m not allowed to do it #NFL https://t.co/WCkaPCOl9I
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) November 2, 2025

The NBA has been pretty conscious of its image — especially when it comes to celebrations in recent years.

Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant was fined $75,000 back in April for mimicking a long gun after hitting a three-pointer. And his viral grenade toss celebration has also been advised against for being a " violent" gesture.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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