Embiid’s Absence Overshadows Nuggets’ Victory Over 76ers
Nuggets Edge Out Shorthanded 76ers in Denver
Denver, CO – The Denver Nuggets secured a hard-fought 111-105 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday afternoon, but the game was overshadowed by the late scratch of star center Joel Embiid due to left knee soreness. Embiid’s absence, coupled with injuries to Tyrese Maxey (ankle) and Tobias Harris (illness), left the 76ers shorthanded and unable to overcome a strong performance from Nuggets MVP candidate Nikola Jokic.
Embiid’s Recurring Knee Issues
Embiid, the reigning NBA MVP, went through his pregame workout as usual, but the team’s medical staff deemed his movements concerning and decided to sit him out for the game. Embiid had previously missed three games earlier in the month with the same knee issue and appeared to tweak it again in Thursday’s loss to the Indiana Pacers. The severity of his current injury and the timeline for his return remain uncertain.
Potential NBA Investigation
The late scratch of Embiid, who was not listed on the injury report prior to the game, could prompt an investigation by the NBA. Last season, the Miami Heat were fined $25,000 for failing to comply with league policies governing injury reporting after Jimmy Butler was scratched with a back issue despite not being on the injury report. Nuggets coach Michael Malone expressed his expectation of an investigation, citing the league’s policy of investigating situations where a player’s status changes from active to out at the last minute.
Embiid’s Denver Jinx Continues
Embiid’s absence marked the fourth consecutive season he has missed a game at Ball Arena, dating back to the start of his annual rivalry with Jokic for the league’s top individual honor. In previous seasons, Embiid missed games due to injuries and COVID-19 protocols.
Embiid’s MVP Eligibility at Stake
With the new player participation rules in place this season, Embiid’s missed games could jeopardize his eligibility for the MVP award. Under the new rules, players must play in at least 65 games to be eligible for season-ending honors, including MVP and All-NBA. Embiid has now missed 11 games this season and can only afford to miss six more games in order to remain eligible for a second consecutive MVP award.
Starless 76ers Nearly Pull Off Upset
Despite the absence of their top three players, the 76ers put up a valiant effort 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. Jokic finished with 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists, leading the Nuggets to a hard-fought victory.
Malone Acknowledges Letdown
Nuggets coach Michael Malone admitted to a collective letdown among his players when they learned of Embiid’s absence just before the tip-off. He praised the 76ers for their outstanding play and acknowledged that his team was fortunate to escape with a win.
Conclusion
The 76ers’ loss to the Nuggets was overshadowed by the absence of Joel Embiid and the potential implications for his MVP eligibility. The team will re-evaluate Embiid, Maxey, and Harris on Sunday ahead of their game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday. The 76ers will then travel to face the Golden State Warriors and the Utah Jazz before returning home.