Joel Embiid Scratched Late from 76ers-Nuggets Game Due to Knee Soreness, Raising Questions

Denver, Colorado

In a surprising turn of events, Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid was unexpectedly ruled out of Saturday’s game against the Denver Nuggets due to left knee soreness, just minutes before tip-off. The reigning NBA MVP had gone through his pregame workout, but the team’s medical personnel expressed concerns about his movements and decided to sideline him for the game.

Embiid’s absence cast a shadow over the highly anticipated matchup between the 76ers and the Nuggets, led by reigning MVP Nikola Jokic. The late scratch also raised questions about the circumstances surrounding Embiid’s injury and why he wasn’t listed on the injury report prior to the game.

Embiid’s Knee Issues Resurface

Embiid has a history of knee problems, having missed three games earlier this month due to the same issue. He appeared to aggravate the injury in Thursday’s road loss to the Indiana Pacers, but the severity of his current condition remains unclear.

76ers coach Nick Nurse stated that Embiid, along with Tyrese Maxey (ankle) and Tobias Harris (illness), would be re-evaluated on Sunday ahead of Monday’s game in Portland against the Trail Blazers. The team will then travel to face the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night before concluding their five-game road trip in Utah on Thursday night.

Potential NBA Investigation

The late scratch of Embiid, who wasn’t listed on the injury report before the game, could prompt the NBA to investigate the circumstances surrounding his absence. Last season, the Miami Heat were fined $25,000 after Jimmy Butler was scratched with a back issue after not being on the injury report. The league stated that the fine was for “failing to comply with league policies governing injury reporting.”

Nuggets coach Michael Malone expressed his expectation of an investigation, questioning how a player could go from being active and available to suddenly being ruled out. He emphasized the importance of handling such situations appropriately, considering the impact on opposing teams who prepare for specific matchups.

Embiid’s Absence a Recurring Theme in Denver

Remarkably, Embiid has now missed four consecutive seasons in Denver, dating back to the 2020-21 season when he and Jokic began their annual battle for the league’s top individual honor. Embiid’s string of missed games in Denver has become a consistent storyline, including a notable absence during the 2022-23 regular season when the MVP debate was at its peak.

Fan Disappointment and MVP Implications

Embiid’s absence was met with disappointment from fans in Denver, who started chants of “Where’s Embiid at?” during the game. The crowd also showered Embiid with boos when he appeared on the bench in the fourth quarter, acknowledging their frustration over his unavailability.

Nurse expressed his understanding of the fans’ disappointment, emphasizing that Embiid genuinely wanted to play but was deemed unfit by the medical team. He acknowledged that it was unfortunate for the fans who came to see the star players in action.

Embiid’s missed game also brings him closer to the threshold of ineligibility for this season’s MVP award. Under the new player participation rules implemented this season, players are ineligible for many season-ending honors, including MVP and All-NBA, if they play in fewer than 65 games. Embiid can now only miss six of Philadelphia’s final 38 games to remain eligible for his second consecutive MVP award.

Starless 76ers Nearly Pull Off Upset

Despite the absence of their star players, the 76ers put up a valiant effort against the Nuggets, leading after three quarters and being tied midway through the fourth quarter. However, Denver eventually pulled away behind a strong performance from Jokic, who recorded 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists.

Nuggets coach Malone acknowledged that there was a letdown among his team when they learned of Embiid’s absence at the tip-off. He credited the 76ers for their outstanding play, emphasizing that Denver was fortunate to come away with a win.

The late scratch of Joel Embiid from the 76ers-Nuggets game has raised questions and sparked discussions about injury reporting, player availability, and the implications for the MVP race. As the NBA season progresses, the league will continue to monitor and enforce its policies governing player injuries and game participation.