PHILADELPHIA — The NBA will likely begin an investigation later this week into 76ers center Joel Embiid’s player participation, a league source confirmed.

The 2023 Most Valuable Player didn’t play in games or scrimmage during practice this preseason as he “ramped up” his left knee. Then on Tuesday, the Sixers announced that Embiid would miss this week’s game for what the team described as left knee injury management.

The Sixers open the season Wednesday night against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Wells Fargo Center. Then they’ll cap off the week with a pair of road games against the Toronto Raptors (Friday) and Indiana Pacers (Sunday).

Sources said the league often investigates when one of its marquee players skips a nationally televised game. The Sixers' matchup against the Bucks will air on ESPN.

The team said Embiid is responding well to his individual plan and is expected to ramp up his return to play activities this week, including participating in scrimmages.

The league’s player participation policy was implemented last season as a way to improve competitiveness, fan interest and game integrity. Under the policy, teams must have a valid reason to bench a healthy star player. They’re also not allowed to have multiple star players sit out at the same time.

Stars must also be available for nationally televised and in-season tournament contests.

Sixers All-Star Paul George (left knee bone bruise) will also miss Wednesday’s game.

ESPN was first to report this news.

©2024 The Philadelphia Inquirer. Visit inquirer.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.