The league's decision came after an investigation related to Embiid’s absence from the opening game against the Milwaukee Bucks, which was a concern under the NBA's player participation policy for nationally televised games.

Although the investigation cleared the 76ers of violating the participation policy, the NBA determined that comments from the team’s president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey, and head coach Nick Nurse did not accurately reflect Embiid's knee condition and violated league rules. The NBA emphasized that statements made by Morey and Nurse were "inconsistent with Joel Embiid's health status."

Despite the clarity sought from the public statements, the league confirmed that Embiid is managing a "left knee condition." Adding to the team's injury woes, Paul George, a new acquisition for the season, is also sidelined, recovering from a bone bruise in his left knee. Their absences have been felt as the 76ers recorded a 1-2 start to their campaign.

Both Embiid and George participated in team practices on Tuesday. However, it was confirmed that neither would play in the upcoming game against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. ESPN noted that Embiid was involved in the team’s 5-on-5 scrimmages, indicating his progress isn’t limited to individual drills.

Embiid’s significance to the franchise cannot be overstated. The one-time MVP and five-time All-NBA team member has secured back-to-back scoring titles for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. Despite an injury-plagued season last year where he played only 39 regular-season games, Embiid still led the team in their first-round playoff against the New York Knicks, averaging 34.7 points, 11 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, earning his seventh All-Star selection.