76ers C Joel Embiid received a $75K fine for making lewd gestures

Joel Embiid, a center for the Philadelphia 76ers, was fined $75,000 by the NBA for making lewd gestures toward the Boston Celtics’ home fans during their Christmas Day game.

Joe Dumars, the NBA’s executive vice president and head of basketball operations, made the announcement Friday evening.

Embiid has only appeared in nine of Philadelphia’s twenty-eight games this season, which has been difficult for him. In addition to missing time due to injuries to his face and knee, he received a three-game suspension early in the season for pushing a reporter in the locker room following a game.

But the 76ers improved to 8-3 in their last 11 games on Wednesday, defeating the Celtics 118-114. Despite their numerous ailments, it was only the sixth time that Tyrese Maxey, Embiid, and summer addition Paul George all appeared in the same game.

On Christmas, Embiid scored 27 points and pulled down nine rebounds for Philadelphia. With an average of 21.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game this season, the former league MVP is playing well.