Sources – 76ers’ Joel Embiid is moving toward his first appearance of the season

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has completed several 5-on-5 scrimmages in recent days as he moves toward his season debut, sources told ESPN.

Embiid, who has not played this season due to what the team called left knee management, is expected to practice 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 next week in Phoenix on Monday, against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday and versus the Lakers on Friday.

The NBA fined the 76ers $100,000 over public statements about Embiid’s health on Tuesday. Their investigation showed that the Sixers did not violate the player engagement policy for Embiid’s missed games but did so through public comments that did not properly reflect his health issues with his knee.

In its statement, the NBA cited comments made by president of basketball operations Daryl Morey and coach Nick Nurse that were “contrary to Joel Embiid’s health condition and violate NBA rules.”

The NBA said it has confirmed that Embiid has been unable to play so far this season due to a left knee condition.

Neither Embiid nor free agent acquisition Paul George played for Philadelphia this season. George had a bone bruise in his left knee.