Today’s game between the Sixers and Nuggets doesn’t include a rematch of MVP candidates Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic. Philadelphia’s training staff decided to hold Embiid out of the contest with left knee soreness after watching him in pregame warmups, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link).
Embiid was dealing with pain in his knee during Thursday’s loss at Indiana, writes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. He managed to play 31 minutes and score 31 points, but he took an awkward fall at one point and grabbed at the knee. Pompey observed that Embiid had difficulty moving on defense throughout the game, and despite his great scoring night, the team was minus-20 when he was on the court.
Embiid and Jokic, who have combined to win the last three MVP awards, had their only meeting of the season on January 16 in Philadelphia. Embiid posted 41 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists in the Sixers’ five-point victory, while Jokic countered with 25 points, 19 rebounds and three assists.
Every game that Embiid misses is significant, given that he needs to play in 65 to qualify for MVP honors under the NBA’s new guidelines. Today marks his 11th missed game of the season, and it appears the knee could be a lingering issue. Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris are also sitting out the game with injuries. Embiid hasn’t played in Denver since 2019, Pompey tweets.
Today’s game is featured on ABC as part of the NBA’s “Rivals Week” promotion, but it loses a lot of its appeal without the matchup between the league’s two best centers.
dUcKiNg
Like lebron at the clippers game
No Luke it’s not remotely similar. No one has anything to prove against the Clippers.
Just think about it. LeBron was scared that the clippers are much better at the moment, he would have to guard Leonard and PG, and everyone is watching. Why would he sit out then? Just ducking. He always hides or passes when the pressure is on. Then by your standards Joel is not ducking either
“He always hides or passes when the pressure is on.”
You need to google the word “always” It doesn’t mean what you think it does.
Pretty soon they’re going to have to create a part-time MVP Award for all the softies like Embiid.
Called the LeBron award
You mean the guy who has played the second most regular season minutes in NBA history?
I’m not even a big LeBron fan but I do believe in reality. Try it out some time.
He sits out many many many games each year, has never played 82 games ever. Always flopping, stands at half court on defense. Of course he has played a lot of minutes. He makes JJ R look like a defensive player of the year candidate. LeBron Literally stands at half court on defense to run down court for a open dunk. Stop defending him. He is not even top 5. Everyone knows LeBron is a part time player except you I guess. Wake up
We get it, you hate LeBron. Do you have anything else to say or should we all do a collective mute to avoid further redundancy?
Why won’t he say “I’m gonna play and not hide”?
Ducking the real MVP. The NBA is GUTLESS
Nothing to prove as he put a spanking on the joker last meeting. Jojo dominants .
Nothing to prove lol. Can’t get out of the 2nd round yet you think he has nothing to prove?
The NBA at it’s weakest ever
Quack quack
Like Mayweather vs. Pacquiao
Adam silver gotta be furious with the sixers sitting almost their entire team
Naw if it’s only a bottom team like Brooklyn
It’s incredible to see how many games these guys miss a year. 16 games for most. 20% of the season gone.
I’ll say again. NBA should look to handing out awards after the playoffs, is part of the season isn’t it? I’m sure Silver could handle a seperate awards night televised. Not exactly against change, chance at extra money and to further leave his finger prints on the game. It’s embarrassing handing out MVP awards to guys with empty stats who disappear when it counts. Guys who turn the ball over 8 9 times and go 4 for 20 in 4th qtrs when it’s winning time. It’s also embarrassing when you got Jokic turning up every night, making guys better while still getting numbers and winning when it counts.
Aren’t they called “regular season” awards? Also I believe they have an award strictly for the mvp of the Finals.
Next you’ll want the NCAA to hold off announcing the Heisman until after bowl season is over (also known as opt-out time) and preseason All Americans not revealed til the regular season finale.
What else is new
Looking forward to his annual second round choke job.
LeBron does this 5 or 10 times a season for his whole career. Nothing new here
Maybe if you wrote that 17 more times.
Just trying to annoy the casuals
Sixers played well without Embiid. Morris showed up today. Sixers are much better than I thought they’d be. I really believe they should get Fultz. He can be had cheap.
Why does this happen a lot in big match ups with Embiid…?
Jokic hasn’t even “scratched” the surface…
Embiid needs to scratch his B*
Em”B”iid only plays for stats / awards because there is no post season run for Philly.
Jokic plays for rings.
* his “B” itch
Can’t play at altitude.
Has Embiid ever played in Denver?
How does Joker let Paul Reed drop 30? Everyone saying Jo is soft… Jokers defense is wet single ply TP.
Jokic is a champ, embid is a chump