Embiid’s Absence Overshadows Nuggets’ Victory Over 76ers
Missed Game Raises Questions, Hurts MVP Candidacy
DENVER, Colo. – The Philadelphia 76ers’ highly anticipated matchup against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday afternoon at Ball Arena ended in a disappointing 111-105 loss, but the game was overshadowed by the late scratch of star center Joel Embiid due to left knee soreness.
Embiid, the reigning NBA MVP, underwent his typical pregame workout before the game, but the team’s medical personnel expressed concerns about his movements and decided to sideline him for the contest. The big man was seen sporting a large wrap on his knee in the locker room prior to the game.
76ers coach Nick Nurse revealed that the decision to keep Embiid out was made approximately 20-25 minutes before tip-off. He explained that the medical team observed Embiid’s movements during the warm-up and determined that it was safer for him not to play.
This latest knee issue for Embiid adds to a string of recent injuries that have limited his availability. Earlier this month, he missed three games due to the same knee soreness and appeared to aggravate it during Thursday’s road loss to the Indiana Pacers. The severity of the current injury and the expected recovery time remain unclear.
Late Embiid Scratch Raises Eyebrows, Potential NBA Investigation
Adding to the intrigue surrounding Embiid’s absence was the fact that he was not listed on the injury report prior to the game. This late scratch raised eyebrows and prompted speculation about a potential investigation by the NBA. Last season, the Miami Heat were fined $25,000 for failing to comply with league policies regarding injury reporting when Jimmy Butler was scratched with a back issue after not being listed on the injury report.
Nuggets coach Michael Malone expressed his surprise at Embiid’s sudden unavailability and suggested that the league would likely investigate the circumstances. He emphasized the importance of adhering to league policies and ensuring transparency in player availability.
Embiid’s absence has become a recurring theme in his matchups with Nuggets’ star Nikola Jokic in Denver. Over the past four seasons, Embiid has missed every game scheduled to be played at Ball Arena, dating back to the 2020-21 season. Injuries and COVID-19 protocols have prevented Embiid from facing Jokic in Denver during this stretch.
The fans in Denver made their feelings known about Embiid’s absence, chanting “Where’s Embiid at?” midway through the first quarter and showering him with boos when he appeared on the bench in the fourth quarter. Nurse expressed disappointment that fans were unable to witness a matchup between the two MVP candidates.
Missed Game Hurts Embiid’s MVP Candidacy
Embiid’s missed game also has implications for his eligibility for this season’s MVP award. Under new player participation rules, players who play in fewer than 65 games are ineligible for season-ending honors, including MVP and All-NBA. With 11 missed games already this season, Embiid can only afford to miss six more games in order to be eligible for a second consecutive MVP award.
76ers Put Up Valiant Fight Despite Embiid’s Absence
Despite the absence of their star players, the 76ers put up a valiant fight against the Nuggets. They led after three quarters and were tied midway through the fourth quarter before Denver pulled away behind Jokic’s impressive performance of 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Malone acknowledged that the team’s collective energy may have been affected by the late news of Embiid’s unavailability, leading to a potential letdown. He praised the 76ers for their outstanding play and expressed relief at securing the victory.
The 76ers will continue their five-game road trip with games against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday and the Utah Jazz on Thursday before returning home. Embiid, along with Tyrese Maxey (ankle) and Tobias Harris (illness), will be re-evaluated on Sunday ahead of Monday’s game in Portland against the Trail Blazers.
Conclusion
The 76ers’ loss to the Nuggets highlights the importance of Embiid’s presence on the court. His absence not only affects the team’s performance but also has implications for his individual accolades. With Embiid’s health and availability uncertain, the 76ers’ hopes of contending for a championship this season may be in jeopardy.
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