The NBA is expected to investigate the development of Joel Embiid's bizarre injury to the 76ers

NBA

by Justin Tash

Joel Embiid is out. Then he suddenly entered. Now, he and the 76ers are getting attention from the NBA.

After the surprise return of its best player from injury against the Thunder on Tuesday evening after he was ruled out of the game and missed the morning penalty kicks, the league is expected to investigate how he went from being eliminated to being promoted to a questionable level hours before the game and eventually returning from a two-month absence after a procedure. knee surgery, According to TNT's Jared Greenberg.

Greenberg reported on air before Philly's win over Oklahoma City that a “wild 30 hours” led to Embiid's return, starting with reports Monday morning that Embiid was close to returning and might play Tuesday.

The 76ers later on Monday ruled Embiid out for the game.

Embiid, 30, did not receive treatment at the arena after sitting out Tuesday's shootout, but was upgraded to questionable status about 90 minutes before tipoff.

Greenberg spoke to former and current players about Embiid's situation.

“They all say they've never heard of anything like this,” Greenberg said.

The 76ers have already been fined $75,000 by the NBA this season for “failing to include Joel Embiid on the team's injury report in an accurate and timely manner” prior to a game against the Nuggets in Denver on January 27.

Embiid was scratched moments before tipoff, marking the fourth straight time he has missed a game in Denver.

The seven-time All-Star played 29 minutes in his return, scoring 24 points with seven assists, six rebounds and three steals, while going 12-for-12 from the free throw line.

“Normally, when I get hurt, I tell myself, 'Go to the next one, get better, then fix it,'” Embiid said after Tuesday's game. Per ESPN. “But it had a psychological impact, as he was suffering from depression… It wasn't good.

“So, I'm still not where I'm supposed to be, especially mentally, but I love playing and I love basketball and I want to play and any opportunity to be there, I'll take it,” he added.

The Sixers (41-35) entered Wednesday sitting in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, which would put them in the play-in tournament.

They were two games behind the Pacers for the No. 6 seed, and a game and a half behind the seventh-place Heat, who the 76ers will face on the road on Thursday.

Philadelphia's last five games will be against the Grizzlies, Spurs, Pistons, Magic and Nets.