NBA Announces Punishment Over 76ers’ Joel Embiid Decision

“The NBA announced today that the Philadelphia 76ers have been fined $100,000 for violating league injury reporting rules,” the statement read. “The 76ers failed to accurately disclose the game availability status of Joel Embiid prior to their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Nov. 30. Embiid was listed as ‘Out’ in Philadelphia's initial injury report and subsequently played in the game. The fine takes into account the 76ers' prior history of fines for violating injury reporting rules.”

Embiid's return from a knee issue also saw him reach a season-high in minutes as Philadelphia went on to earn a double-overtime loss to Atlanta.

The center's availability also meant the 76ers were able to deploy a lineup featuring all three of Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George in the same game together for the first time. Embiid finished with 18 points, four rebounds and two assists.

The 31-year-old center has played in just seven of Philadelphia’s first 20 games through Tuesday. Embiid's recent absences stemmed from a right knee problem first reported on Nov. 11.

Embiid missed eight consecutive outings before the Hawks game and has continued to face questions about his durability.

Philadelphia sits at 11-9 after beating the Wizards 121-102 on Tuesday and is entering a stretch featuring back-to-back games against Golden State and Milwaukee.

The 76ers will host the Warriors on Thursday before visiting the Bucks on Friday.