After so much positive feedback from the Sixers and the good way this offseason went, the new season is starting on a sour note. The team's star free agent signing Paul George is out for the season opener (as he recovers from a bone bruise suffered in the preseason), as is Joel Embiid, who was out against the Bucks and on Friday due to treatment for a left knee injury will fail.

Embiid's absence came as a frustrating surprise for fans, considering the situation is very Sixers-like and marred by unnecessary confusion and lack of transparency. The NBA doesn't seem happy either, as ESPN's Shams Charania has reported that the league is expected to launch an investigation into Embiid's “player involvement” later this week.

If the league thinks Embiid is being held out of a high-profile, nationally televised season opener for extra rest while he may not be dealing with an actual injury, that would appear to be the reason for the investigation. The NBA has made it harder for teams to give players, especially stars, a break and appears to be trying to enforce that right at the start of the season.

For now, the Sixers have said that Embiid is “responding well to his individual plan and is expected to ramp up his return to game activities, including scrimmage, this week.”

If Embiid Is If he's dealing with an injury, be it an aggravation of his previously operated knee after two meniscus surgeries or something else, it would certainly be welcome if the Sixers were more open about everything – both to the league office and to Philly fans.

Of course, the only important thing is that Embiid's health is guaranteed and that the team doesn't put unnecessary strain on his body in order to keep him in the best possible shape for the playoffs and beyond. His knee will need careful attention for the rest of his career. Nick Nurse and the team have made it clear in recent weeks that they are prioritizing his health and will be extra careful in tackles this season. But more transparency in advance to avoid sudden disappointment among fans and perhaps keep the league office in check would help in such situations.

Once the weekend comes and Embiid is re-evaluated as the team has announced, we will hopefully get more clarity and confirmation as to when the big guy will make his debut in the 2024-25 season.