Embiid’s Absence Raises Questions as 76ers Fall to Nuggets
DENVER, CO – The Philadelphia 76ers’ quest to upset the Denver Nuggets suffered a major setback on Saturday afternoon when star center Joel Embiid was ruled out of the game just minutes before tip-off due to left knee soreness. The late scratch raised eyebrows, considering Embiid was not listed on the injury report prior to the game.
Embiid’s Knee Issue Resurfaces
Embiid had missed three games earlier this month with the same knee issue, and it appeared to flare up again during Thursday’s road loss to the Indiana Pacers. After going through his typical pregame workout on Saturday, the team’s medical personnel deemed him unfit to play due to his limited movement.
Missed Games and MVP Eligibility
Embiid’s absence not only impacted the 76ers’ chances of victory but also brought into question his eligibility for this season’s MVP award. Under new player participation rules implemented this season, players who miss more than 65 games are ineligible for many season-ending honors, including MVP and All-NBA. With Embiid now having missed 11 games, he can only afford to miss six more of Philadelphia’s final 38 games to maintain his MVP eligibility.
Late Scratch Raises Concerns
The circumstances surrounding Embiid’s late scratch drew the attention of Nuggets coach Michael Malone, who expressed his expectation of an investigation by the NBA. Malone emphasized the importance of adhering to league policies regarding injury reporting, as teams need to be prepared for their opponents’ full rosters.
76ers Nearly Pull Off Upset Despite Absences
Despite the absence of Embiid, Tyrese Maxey (ankle), and Tobias Harris (illness), 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 Nikola Jokic’s dominant performance.
Jokic Leads Nuggets to Victory
Jokic, the reigning MVP, showcased his all-around brilliance with a stat line of 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists. His contributions proved crucial in securing the win for the Nuggets, who took advantage of the depleted 76ers roster.
Embiid’s String of Missed Games in Denver
Embiid’s absence on Saturday marked the fourth consecutive season that he has missed a game at Ball Arena, Denver’s home court. This ongoing trend has become a notable storyline between the two teams, especially considering their annual battle for the league’s top individual honor.
Fan Disappointment and Chants
The Denver crowd expressed their disappointment over Embiid’s absence with loud chants of “Where’s Embiid at?” throughout the game. They also showered him with boos when he appeared on the bench in the fourth quarter.
Nurse’s Comments on Embiid’s Absence
76ers coach Nick Nurse acknowledged the disappointment of fans who wanted to see the star players in action. He emphasized that Embiid genuinely wanted to play but was deemed unfit by the medical team. Nurse also expressed regret for those fans who were unable to witness Embiid’s performance due to his late scratch.
Conclusion
The Philadelphia 76ers’ hopes of securing a victory against the Denver Nuggets were dashed when Joel Embiid was ruled out just before the game due to left knee soreness. The late scratch raised questions about the team’s injury reporting practices and highlighted the importance of adhering to league policies. Despite the absence of their star players, the 76ers nearly pulled off an upset, showcasing their resilience and determination. Embiid’s missed game also brought into focus his eligibility for this season’s MVP award, as he can only afford to miss six more games to maintain his candidacy.
Call to Action: Are you a fan of the Philadelphia 76ers or the Denver Nuggets? Share your thoughts on Embiid’s absence and its impact on the game in the comments section below!