NBA announces big decision on 76ers star Joel Embiid

The Philadelphia 76ers received an important reinforcement for their game against the Phoenix Suns on Monday evening. Newly acquired nine-time All-Star Paul George was finally cleared for his regular season debut with the team after dealing with a bone bruise in his knee.

Now they could really use another one.

There was hope that Joel Embiid could be the latest star to return to the lineup as early as Wednesday against the Los Angeles Clippers. Unfortunately for the Sixers, Embiid has been suspended for three games.

The NBA announced this on Tuesday that Embiid’s punishment is the result of “pushing a member of the media.” The league explained that while they understood Embiid’s reasoning for being offended, they considered his actions at the time to be unprofessional.

Lately, Embiid has been inactive for the Sixers.

The idea of ​​Joel Embiid’s rest plan was revealed on the eve of training camp in the Bahamas. The Sixers made it clear that they will do everything they can to get Embiid to the playoffs healthy. And if that means missing the entire preseason and several weeks of action to start the regular season, then so be it.

However, the Sixers likely aren’t bracing themselves for the kind of start they’ve had thus far. Through six games, the 76ers have recorded just one win. Even with George in the lineup on Monday in Phoenix, they fell short.

There was never a timeline for Embiid’s return. In fact, there is still an element of mystery surrounding Embiid’s absence. Although the status of his injury report is labeled “knee injury management,” an NBA investigation revealed that Embiid is dealing with some sort of knee ailment. The Sixers publicly claim no injury has occurred since Embiid recovered from surgery last season.

Despite the mystery behind the situation, the Sixers seemed hopeful that Embiid could return as early as this week. The Athletics Sam Amick initially reported that Embiid could play Wednesday’s game “as soon as he did.” That was before Embiid’s suspension.

The West Coast road trip continues Wednesday at the Intuit Dome against the Los Angeles Clippers. If Embiid is cleared to play, his suspension will begin this week.