Joel Embiid Fined $50K for DX Salute vs. Celtics

Joel Embiid was fined $50,000 for making a lewd, DX-style celebration during the Sixers’ 109-108 loss to the Celtics, pushing his total fines to at least $185,000. The sanction matters because it’s a pattern: a star balancing showmanship and league rules while trying to stay healthy and help a 4-1 Philadelphia team. Merlin sees a performer who enjoys the spotlight — Embiid even told the NBA to "start fining" officials — and those fines are more than pocket change when they keep recurring. With Embiid on a minutes limit (about 20 per game) and averaging 17.3 points, these distractions could nibble at chemistry even as the Sixers chase consistency.