Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid has completed more than one 5-on-5 practice in recent days as he builds toward his season debut, assets told ESPN.
Embiid, who has not played this season due to what the team has called left knee tightness, is expected to work out Thursday and Friday before the team determines his status for Saturday against the Memphis Grizzlies and beyond.
The 76ers (1-3) play the Grizzlies at home on Saturday before a three-game road trip out West and then to Phoenix on Monday, against the LA Clippers on Wednesday and against the Lakers on Friday.
The NBA fined the 76ers $100,000 for statements made about Embiid’s situation on Tuesday. Their investigation showed that the Sixers did not violate the player participation policy with Embiid’s forgotten games, but rather with public comments that did not accurately reflect his condition issues with his knee.
In its commentary, the league cited comments made through president of basketball operations Daryl Morey and guardian Nick Attendant that have been “inconsistent with Joel Embiid’s health status and in violation of NBA rules.” .
The NBA stated that it has proven that Embiid has not been able to play games so far this season due to a left knee problem.
Neither Embiid nor one-time agent acquisition Paul George have played for Philadelphia this season. George has been dealing with a bone bruise in his left knee.
