The Philadelphia 76ers were fined $75,000 for failing to include Joel Embiid on their injury report “in an accurate and timely manner” prior to their Saturday game in Denver.
The NBA also penalized the New Orleans Pelicans $25,000 for a separate violation involving the league’s injury reporting regulations.
Embiid wasn’t on the 76ers’ injury report Saturday, but the reigning MVP was pulled from the lineup minutes before tipoff due to soreness in his left knee during warmups.
His injury ruled out a highly anticipated clash between Embiid and two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, which the Nuggets ultimately won 111-105. Embiid also missed the 76ers’ 130-104 loss to Portland two nights later.
NBA officials stated that the fine was based on Philadelphia’s previous history of fines for breaking injury reporting requirements. The league assessment determined that there was no violation of the league’s player participation standard because Embiid was absent due to a confirmed injury.
The Pelicans were fined for failing to mention Trey Murphy III on the team’s injury report prior to Saturday’s 141-117 defeat in Milwaukee, where he did not play.
