**76ers Under NBA Investigation Amid Questions Over Embiid's Season Opener Absence**

The NBA has launched an investigation into the Philadelphia 76ers concerning the participation of their star center, Joel Embiid. The exact nature of the potential violations and the specific focus of the investigation remain unclear.

Prior to Philadelphia's season-opening defeat to the Milwaukee Bucks, both Embiid and new teammate Paul George were ruled out of the game. Embiid, who was listed out for "left knee management," didn't have a specific injury designation. George, meanwhile, is dealing with a bone bruise from the preseason, though it is not expected to keep him out long-term. Embiid is recovering from a meniscus surgery in his left knee, an injury that made him miss 43 games last season.

Embiid returned just in time for the playoffs, where Philadelphia faced the New York Knicks and was eliminated in six games. He then joined Team USA in Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics. Despite participating in the Olympics, Embiid sat out preseason games and missed the season opener, with the vague "left knee management" cited by the 76ers.

General Manager Daryl Morey has stated that both Embiid and George are unlikely to participate in many back-to-back games. "We're going to be smart about it," Morey said, indicating that managing their health is a priority.

When questioned about Embiid's readiness for the season opener, 76ers' head coach Nick Nurse indicated that Embiid had no offseason setbacks and was progressing well. "He's in practice. He's looking good. He's progressing. He's not quite ready yet," Nurse stated.

Nurse also confirmed that Embiid did not re-injure himself and was unaware of any organizational discussions about the investigation. The NBA's 2023 regulations aim to limit the resting of uninjured star players, particularly during nationally televised games. Philadelphia’s game against Milwaukee fell into this category, airing on ESPN.

Joel Embiid, a seven-time All-Star and the 2023 NBA MVP, has had a career marred by foot and knee injuries. Selected third overall by the 76ers in 2014, Embiid missed his first two seasons and has struggled to play more than 68 games in any single season since. The results of the NBA's investigation could have significant implications for both Embiid and the 76ers moving forward.