Sixers Slapped With $50K Fine Over Injury Reporting Shenanigans

When it comes to the heat of playoff battle, every little edge counts. If a team can deceive its opponent into preparing for one lineup, and then throw out another, that can be a difference-maker. The NBA frowns on this kind of chicanery, and the Philadelphia 76ers paid the price on Saturday.  

The 76ers have been fined $50,000 for not following the injury reporting rules regarding Joel Embiid yesterday. The Phoenix Suns were hit for the same amount for how they handled Devin Booker’s status last week.

— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) May 7, 2022

The Sixers have been fined $50K by the NBA. The problem arose because the team ruled star center Joel Embiid OUT on Thursday night, then upgraded him to 'doubtful' on Friday before their Game 3 with the Heat. They were fined for  'violating league injury reporting rules' and 'failing to disclose Joel Embiid's participation status in an accurate and timely manner.'

According to ESPN's Tim Bontemps, the Phoenix Suns pulled the same thing with Devin Booker's status last week and were fined the same amount. 

Embiid missed the first two games of the series recovering from an orbital bone fracture and a mild concussion. The Sixers made a game-time decision before Friday night's game that Embiid was good to go; he donned a mask to protect his orbital fracture and went out and scored 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in 36 to help lead Philly to a 99-79 win, slicing the Heat's lead in the series to 2-1.

Photo Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports