The Philadelphia 76ers are facing the Denver Nuggets tonight. Fans have been waiting for this clash for months, mainly because of the biggest superstars who could go against each other. Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic have been going head-to-head for the 2022-23 MVP award and this clash could be vital for their case.
The Sixers are coming off a loss against the Phoenix Suns. They lost the game before that as well, to the Golden State Warriors. If the Philly-based franchise falls again for the third time, it would not be a good look for the team. They have clinched the playoffs, like the Nuggets, but winning against Nikola Jokic and Co. will surely send a statement to other NBA teams.
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The Cleveland Cavaliers clinch a place in the #NBAPlayoffs presented by Google Pixel… Which teams will grab the remaining postseason spots 👀
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— NBA (@NBA) March 27, 2023
The Denver Nuggets have enjoyed some decent form in recent times. They won their last game against the mighty Milwaukee Bucks and the two games before that. They have won 50 games this season, but will still aim to add to that despite having a playoff spot in the bag. With that said, let’s take a look at the injury reports and expected rosters ahead of tonight’s game.
Joel Embiid is out for the Philadelphia 76ers vs Denver Nuggets game tonight
Sixers fans were eagerly waiting for Joel Embiid to walk out at the Pepsi Center. Unfortunately for them, The Process will not play against the Nuggets tonight. Reports claim that Embiid tried to work out hours before the game but the 76ers are taking no risks with his calf injury. Embiid will rest and sit out for the game against the Nuggets and is likely to return in the coming days.
ESPN Reporting with @Ramonashelburne: The showdown of MVP frontrunners is off tonight: Sixers are ruling out Joel Embiid (calf) vs. Nikola Jokic and Nuggets. Embiid attempted to work out this morning, but team is taking a precautionary approach given density of recent schedule.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 27, 2023
James Harden will return after missing the last three games due to an Achilles injury. It certainly boosts the Sixers’ chances but they will certainly miss Embiid’s presence in the paint tonight.
Philadelphia 76ers injury report
- Joel Embiid (out)
Philadelphia 76ers expected roster
- James Harden
- Tyrese Maxey
- Tobias Harris
- P.J. Tucker
- De’Anthony Melton
Denver Nuggets injury report
- Michael Porter Jr. (questionable)
- Jack White (out)
- Collin Gillespie (out)
Denver Nuggets expected roster
- Nikola Jokic
- Jamal Murray
- Aaron Gordon
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
- Bruce Brown Jr.
The Nuggets are favored to win against the 76ers tonight
It would be safe to claim that both of these teams are the titans in their respective conferences right now. However, the Nuggets dismantled the Bucks with ease, even with Giannis Antetokounmpo’s presence. It certainly means James Harden’s return to the lineup might not be enough for the Sixers to beat the Nuggets tonight.
The Sixers took a 126-119 win the last time these two teams faced each other. Joel Embiid had a phenomenal game, making 47 points, 18 rebounds, and 5 assists. His absence means that the Sixers will not have their big man to help them finish in the paint tonight, as they usually do.