Overview

• Joel Embiid missed the Philadelphia 76ers' season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks and is also expected to sit out the next two games.
• The absence has triggered an NBA investigation under its player participation policy, which aims to ensure star players appear in nationally televised games.
• Embiid's decision to potentially avoid back-to-back games for his health has sparked criticism from former players like Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal.
• The 76ers' management, including Daryl Morey, has defended the strategy, emphasizing Embiid's long-term health and postseason readiness.
• Embiid, a previous MVP, has a history of injuries and recently lost weight to alleviate knee stress, yet his approach has raised questions about team leadership and fan expectations.