The NBA is investigating the 76ers' handling of Joel Embiid's return-to-play plan

The NBA has opened an investigation into how the Philadelphia 76ers are handling star center Joel Embiid's return to the court, the league confirmed Thursday. Embiid sat out the Sixers' first three games Including their season-opening 125-109 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, which was televised nationally.

Before last season, the NBA introduced a new Player Participation Policy (PPP) requiring teams to follow strict guidelines. Players who made an All-NBA or All-Star team in the previous three seasons were designated as “stars” and subject to the new rules.

Under the new PPP, parties must ensure that:

• Multiple star players are unavailable for the same game
• Star players are available for national TV and NBA Cup games
• Balance the one-game absence of star players between road and home games
• Avoid long-term shutdowns that affect game integrity
• Ensure rested players are present and visible to fans

Parties violating the rules are fined $100,000 for a first violation, $250,000 for a second violation, and $1.25 million for a third violation. An investigation is automatically initiated when a star player misses a nationally televised game, multiple star players on the same team miss the same game, or inconsistent statements (from a GM, coach, a player, player representative, etc.) that contradict the player's status on the injury report. .

Exceptions to such rules are, of course, for injury, personal reasons and pre-approved back-to-back restrictions based on the player's age, career workload or serious injury history. Embiid, 30, told ESPN He won't be able to play back-to-backs for the rest of his career.

Embiid, who falls into the star player category, is currently following an individualized recovery program for his left knee, which was surgically repaired late last season after tearing his meniscus. He was limited to just 39 regular season games, but returned for the playoffs after aggravating the injury during the Sixers' first-round series with the New York Knicks, which they lost in six games.

Embiid was able to compete in the Olympics with Team USA this summer and helped the Americans win a gold medal, making his current restrictions somewhat surprising. That, obviously, piqued the interest of the league, which could reasonably be disappointed about one of its best players sitting out opening night.

The Sixers did not disclose a new injury, and said only that Embiid is “responding well to his personalized plan and is expected to return to game activities this week, including scrimmages.”

At the team's media day, Embiid revealed that he texted team president Daryl Morey after the Sixers' elimination. “We have to do whatever it takes to make sure I'm healthy for the postseason,” Embiid wrote. At this point, he has lost 25-30 pounds and will wear a brace on his left knee in addition to back restrictions.