Sixers Face Punishment Over Embiid Injury Reporting vs. Nuggets

NBA fans thought they were going to be treated to an epic matchup this past weekend when the Philadelphia 76ers were slated to take on the Denver Nuggets. It was Rivalry Week in the league and the last two MVPs, Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic, were set to face each other.

However, minutes before the game was set to tip-off, the 76ers announced that Embiid would not be playing in the game. He would be sidelined along with Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris, taking away all of the luster from the matchup.

How the handling of Embiid’s injury is something that will be reviewed. According to NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the 76ers could face punishment over the reporting of the reigning MVP’s injury.

NBA NEWS & SCORES: Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets, Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers Updates

“[Joel Embiid] didn’t enter the injury report, I’m told, until fifteen minutes before tip off, and for sure that’s something that the league will have to review,” Charania said on Run It Back on FanDuel TV with Michele Beadle, Chandler Parsons and Lou Williams.

"[Joel Embiid] didn't enter the injury report, I'm told, until fifteen minutes before tip off, and for sure that's something that the league will have to review."@ShamsCharania on Embiid sitting out against the Nuggets.

📺: https://t.co/wdT8I0ST8g pic.twitter.com/i1s0i6jzzU
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) January 29, 2024

There was no word of Embiid being hampered entering the game, as he didn’t appear on the injury report. A late addition like what the 76ers pulled is something the NBA is looking to avoid as they want their star players on the court as much as possible.

According to reports, the training staff didn’t like what they saw with Embiid’s knee during warm-ups and opted to suggest sitting him out. Making a decision that close to a tip-off after no injury being reported leading up to the game will certainly have Philadelphia facing some scrutiny.

NBA NEWS & SCORES: Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets, Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers Updates

Whether it is a mere coincidence or something the team plans on purpose, this is the fourth consecutive trip to Denver in which Embiid didn’t play. He hasn’t played in The Mile High City since 2019, robbing NBA fans of an epic matchup between arguably the two best centers in the NBA.

That was the 11th game that Embiid has missed during the 2023-24 NBA regular season. That means he can miss only six more games this season to reach the 65-game played threshold and be eligible for awards at the end of the season.

Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.

Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.

Kenneth Teape

Kenneth Teape is an NBA Reporter for NBA Analysis Network. He covers all things across the league, including both news and editorial work. Make sure to follow Kenneth on Twitter at @teapester725.

LeBron James Refuses To Address His Lakers Future After Playoff Exit

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James sidestepped inquiries regarding his future with the team following their abrupt exit from the NBA playoffs at the hands

Darvin Ham Boldly Reveals Lakers’ Key To Success Next Season

In the aftermath of their elimination from the NBA playoffs, Los Angeles Lakers coach Darvin Ham addressed the team in the locker room. With the

Clippers’ Paul George Draws New Massive Free Agency Prediction

During the NBA playoffs, all eyes are on the future of Los Angeles Clippers superstar Paul George, whose impending free agency has sparked widespread speculation.