Tonight, fans will get a chance to witness this year’s potential champions play against the team that’s defending their title. Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets are currently coming off a loss against the New York Knicks. While Jokic was in full form scoring 31 points with 11 rebounds, his supporting cast barely contributed anything to the game. The Nuggets shot 19.2% from deep and had 19 turnovers during the game.
Our All-Star and so much more 🌟 pic.twitter.com/qeYsGwvAsv
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) January 26, 2024
The same goes for the Philadelphia 76ers, who also lost against the Indiana Pacers recently. The issue with the Sixers that night was their poor three-point shooting. They have proven over time that it might be their weakest point this season. The Nuggets rank fourth in the Western Conference with a 31-15 record, while the Sixers have remained the third seed (29-14) in the Eastern Conference for a while.
Nikola Jokic is listed as probable for the Nuggets vs. Sixers game
During the Nuggets’ previous matchup, Nikola Jokic was poked in the eye by Donte DiVincenzo during the second quarter of the game. Jokic has been listed as probable against the Sixers due to an eye abrasion. He has only missed one game this season during which the Nuggets recorded a win.
Nikola Jokic Suffers Serious Eye Injury, Sends Shockwaves Through Knicks Crowd #Nba #nuggets pic.twitter.com/zcpWNObY83
— NBA Trending Now (@DoHuy355548) January 26, 2024
Denver Nuggets Injury Report:
- Reggie Jackson (Probable)
- Aaron Gordon (Probable)
- Jamal Murray (Probable)
- Julian Strawther (Out)
- Nikola Jokic (Probable)
- Vlatko Cancar (Out)
Denver Nuggets Expected Lineup:
- Jamal Murray
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
- Michael Porter Jr.
- Aaron Gordon
- Nikola Jokic
Philadelphia 76ers Injury Report:
- Mo Bamba (Questionable)
- Marcus Morris Sr. (Probable)
- Tobias Harris (Questionable)
- Tyrese Maxey (Questionable)
- Robert Covington (Out)
- De’Anthony Melton (Out)
Philadelphia 76ers Expected Lineup:
- Patrick Beverley
- Kelly Oubre Jr.
- Marcus Morris Sr.
- Nicolas Tatum
- Joel Embiid
.@JoelEmbiid speaks on Nikola Jokić. pic.twitter.com/2CAxBO3Xnn
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 27, 2024
The biggest letdown coming into the matchup is that the Sixers may potentially have Maxey sidelined due to a left ankle sprain. He has been the second-best player on the team besides Embiid averaging 25.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. In his absence, the team may potentially experience issues on offense.
Denver Nuggets vs. Philadelphia 76ers Game Prediction
The Sixers have already shown that they are ready to take on adversity at any point in time. Against the Nuggets, the Sixers hold a winning record of 53-43. The most interesting part about these two teams is that Embiid has a winning record over Nikola Jokic, 6-2. And Embiid has never had a poor game against the Nuggets.
It so happens that the Nuggets have already lost a game against the Sixers earlier this month. In their previous meeting, Embiid scored 41 points along with 10 rebounds. The Nuggets had a tough time preventing the Sixers from making shots and they also fouled a lot more. Denver’s defense was mediocre at best that night.
Once again, Embiid is going to be the star of the show for the Sixers. Regardless of whether Maxey is in the lineup, players like Harris are more than capable of backing up the reigning MVP. Harris has been averaging 17.7 points, 6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists on 50.9% shooting per game as their third option.
Depending on how Jokic feels after the eye poke, it will either make or break the Nuggets tonight. The 2x MVP is the only player on the Nuggets who remains consistent. The Sixers have a better chance of winning this game on paper.