Joel Embiid’s first-quarter gesture on Halloween night cost him a pretty penny.
The 76ers center was fined $50,000 for what the NBA called a “lewd gesture” during Philadelphia’s loss to the Boston Celtics on Friday night.
With 7:08 left in the opening quarter, Embiid did a crotch chop after making a shot and getting an and-one. He wasn’t penalized during the game for the gesture.
Despite dropping 20 points, it wasn’t enough for Philadelphia in its one-point loss to Boston. It also marked the first loss of the season for the 76ers.
Embiid was limited to just 19 games during the 2024-25 season, but has played in four of the 76ers’ first five games. He’s averaged 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists early on.
The 76ers will rest their star center on a regular basis as a precaution after Embiid underwent knee surgery in April. He won’t play Sunday when Philadelphia hosts the Brooklyn Nets.
The Celtics, meanwhile, return home on Monday after two games on the road when they welcome the Utah Jazz to TD Garden.
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