Joel Embiid, who recently feuded with the media, took it to a physical level on Saturday night.

The 76ers center pushed Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes after Philadelphia’s 124-107 home loss to the Grizzlies, taking issue with his recent column that referenced the player’s late brother and son — both named Arthur — but there no blows were thrown.

The incident came a day after Embiid directly mentioned Hayes following his scathing column in which he called the center “the least reliable superstar in the history of the game” while also referencing his family members.

The column also questioned Embiid’s professionalism and efforts as he was out of shape after playing in the Paris Olympics where Team USA won gold.

After the 76ers loss, when reporters entered the locker room to talk to players, Embiid stood up and confronted Hayes.

“The next time you bring up my dead brother and my son again, you’re going to see what I’m going to do to you and I’m going to have to… live with the consequences,” Embiid told Hayes.

Embiid — who won the MVP award in the 2022-2023 season — followed up with several instances of profanity in the next few sentences. Hayes apologized, which Embiid did not want. “That’s not the first time.” Embid said.

The seven-time All-Star later said he doesn’t care what reporters say. “But you do,” Hayes replied.

Embiid, 30, seemed to get louder at that point and not long after pushed Hayes on the shoulder as the team’s PR chief got between them.

Another PR person moved Tyrese Maxey’s interview to the hallway outside the locker room, in an attempt to clear reporters.

While this was going on, a team security guard asked the media not to report on what happened, but an incensed Embiid yelled at the security guard and said, “They can do whatever they want.” I don’t care that much.”

“We are aware of reports of an incident in the Sixers locker room tonight and are launching an investigation,” a league spokesperson told The Athletic.

Embiid had called out Hayes during a post-practice news conference Friday at the team’s training facility, calling him “Marcus, whatever his name is” and questioning critics of his extended absence.

Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Keith Pompey posted the following to X after the incident: “Oh boy, people are going to remember the Sixers season for the wrong reasons. The team simply fell to 1-4 and Joel Embiid attacked a reporter in the locker room. He then followed it up with another tweet that read, “The reporter was ‘pushed’ by Embiid.”

Embiid, who has yet to make his debut in 2024-25 with what the team calls the left knee management, also clashed with the media on Friday over speculation questioning his toughness and desire to play.

‘I broke my face twice. I came back early at the risk of losing my vision,” Embiid told reporters on Friday. “When I see people saying he doesn’t want to play, I’ve done way too much for this city and I run the risk of people saying that. I really think it’s bulls-t. … I’ve done way too much to let this damn city be treated like this.”

Embiid has dealt with numerous lower-body injuries during his 10-year career and said Friday that his return to the court will rely on “trust” on his awkward right knee, but he expects him to play “pretty soon” .

“I think it’s about feeling comfortable and confident,” Embiid said. “I want to be at my best. I don’t want to be in a situation where I’m afraid that if I do this, I might do something. … Mentally, I’m just working on regaining that confidence.”

Saturday’s loss dropped the 76ers to 1-4, including an 0-3 mark at home.

— with AP