The response of one NBA official during a Friday game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic captured the attention of numerous fans on the internet.
Four minutes into the game at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pa, the 76ers were down the Magic 7-6.
Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. struck Embiid in the arm after he made a move in the paint. Despite Embiid obviously losing possession of the ball on the way up, his shot managed to go in.
Baseline referee Evan Scott signaled for a and-1 play after calling Carter’s foul. On X, several fans thought Scott expressed sincere disappointment after Embiid’s shot had missed.
Some posts even suggested that Scott might have placed a wager against Embiid accumulating points.
Fans’ suspicions are understandable given the slew of betting scandals that have recently shook the sports world.
After seeing the big man make his way to the locker room, anyone who had actually placed a wager on Embiid’s player props versus the Magic may have lost heart. Late in the second quarter, it seemed as though the 76ers star’s left knee injury had gotten worse.
However, Embiid was able to come back after halftime and led Philadelphia to a 125-113 victory, looking as strong as ever. Embiid recorded 32 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists in the game’s conclusion.