76ers star Joel Embiid gets technical foul for waving towel on sideline in win vs. Pacers

The NBA hit Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid with a technical foul on Monday after he was seen waving a towel near their bench in the final moments of their win over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday.

Embiid missed the 76ers' 118-114 overtime win over the Pacers on Sunday with a knee injury. As 76ers guard Andrew Nembhard was shooting free throws with less than 20 seconds left, Embiid waved a towel to celebrate near the baseline.

Several people called Embiid out for it at this point — including Tyrese Halliburton — who began pleading with an official while pointing at Embiid. However, no foul was called, and the 76ers held on for the four-point win.

Because it was a clear violation of league rules, the NBA assessed a technical foul on Embiid on Monday.

Embiid has yet to play this season for the 76ers with what they call a left knee management. He appeared in just 39 games last season due to a knee injury, but he returned for the playoffs and joined Team USA in their gold medal run at the Paris Olympics earlier this year. He said he lost more than 25 pounds in an effort to stay healthy this season as well.

It's unclear when Embiid will make his season debut. The league has also reportedly opened an investigation into the 76ers for their handling of Embiid's participation. It's unknown if the 76ers violated the NBA's load management rules, which were first implemented in 2023, though the team said Embiid has not re-injured himself and is “progressing” but “not quite ready yet.”

Tyrese Maxey led 76 players against the Pacers in Embiid's absence. He dropped 45 points and shot 14 of 32 from the field in the win, their first of the season. Caleb Martin finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds and Eric Gordon added 15 points off the bench. Paul George, who landed in Philadelphia this past offseason, is recovering from a bone bruise and has yet to play this season.

The 76ers, who hold a 1-2 record, will host the Detroit Pistons next Wednesday night.