It appears Embiid will actually play in Denver; Jokic dodges scare…
Joel Embiid is set to take the court against Nikola Jokic in Denver, marking a significant event as the last time Embiid played there was in November 2019 when the arena was known as Pepsi Center. This matchup is eagerly anticipated, with both players being the last three NBA MVPs.
Entering the Saturday showdown, Embiid is not on the injury report for the Philadelphia 76ers, while Jokic is listed as probable after experiencing an eye injury during a game against the Knicks. Despite the injury, Jokic returned to the game and managed to score 31 points, although the Nuggets suffered a defeat.
The dynamics between Jokic and Embiid often seem to favor the former, especially when the game is not in Philadelphia. They have faced off four times out East since Embiid last played in Denver. Earlier this year, the 76ers triumphed over the Nuggets with a final score of 126-121, marking Embiid’s victory in the matchup.
Their previous encounter in Colorado dates back to 2019, where Jokic delivered a noteworthy performance. The upcoming game is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. MT and will be nationally broadcast on ABC. Both Jokic and Embiid are currently contenders for another NBA MVP, holding the top two spots on the latest “MVP ladder” for the ninth consecutive week. Presently, Embiid holds a slight advantage.
The outcome of the MVP race might see a shift, especially considering Embiid’s return to the court at altitude. The game could be without Tyrese Maxey for Philadelphia, who is questionable due to an ankle sprain. As the long-anticipated matchup unfolds, basketball enthusiasts can anticipate an exciting showdown between Jokic and Embiid, with the latter playing outside his usual comfort zone.
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