NBA Fines Sixers for Joel Embiid's Injury Status Against the Thunder

Joel Embiid was upgraded to available just an hour before game time against the Thunder this week.

Apr 2, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and / Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia pulled a fast one on Oklahoma City Tuesday night. The Thunder traveled to play the Sixers on the road, and OKC was without its two best players. The assumption was Philadelphia would be without its two best, too.

Joel Embiid hadn’t played since January 30 with a knee injury that caused him to miss significant time. The hope was to get him ready for the end of the season, and in particular, the playoffs. It was rumored that Embiid was ramping up and could potentially play against the Thunder, but later that idea was dismissed. He wasn’t at shoot around and was ruled out for Tuesday’s contest.

Then, just over an hour before the game, Embiid was listed as questionable out of the blue, and was soon activated and able to play. He did indeed make his return against the Thunder despite being listed out all day.

Embiid was rusty, but still his MVP self. He logged 29 minutes in his first game back, recording 24 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Oklahoma City led nearly the entire game, but a late comeback bid from Philadelphia lifted the Sixers over the hobbled Thunder.

On Friday, the NBA took action. Shams Charania reported that the “NBA has fined the Philadelphia 76ers for $100,000 due to violating injury reporting rules regarding Joel Embiid.” Because Embiid was listed as out and then later played in the game, the NBA was able to file a charge.

The NBA has fined the Philadelphia 76ers for $100,000 due to violating injury reporting rules regarding Joel Embiid playing vs. Thunder on Tuesday.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 5, 2024

Believe it or not, this actually happened to Oklahoma City recently, too. Early last season in November, the NBA issued $25,000 in fines for the Thunder for violations of the league’s policies regarding injury reporting. It was reported that the Thunder did not disclose the availability status of guard Josh Giddey “in an accurate and timely manner” before their home game against Orlando.

The following was released by the NBA: pic.twitter.com/w7tAFP0PQY

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 5, 2024

With Embiid back, Philadelphia could make a run in the playoffs. On the other side, Oklahoma City is dealing with injuries of its own. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams are set to miss their third consecutive game. It appears the Thunder are being extra cautious so that the star duo is ready for the postseason.

---

Want to join the discussion? Like Inside the Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.