SUMMARY
- Joel Embiid was unexpectedly ruled out of a game against the Denver Nuggets due to left knee soreness.
- The matchup against the Nuggets was significant for the MVP race, with Embiid and Nikola Jokic considered top contenders.
- Former NBA star Kevin Garnett expressed frustration over Embiid's load management, particularly for missing a game against a top opponent like the Nuggets
Philadelphia 76ers’ star player Joel Embiid was ruled out of Saturday’s game against the Denver Nuggets. This last-minute update, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski came as a surprise since Embiid had not been previously listed on the injury report and was expected to play.
The decision to bench Embiid was made after concerns raised by the Sixers’ training staff during his warm-up routine, citing left knee soreness as the reason for his absence. This news was a huge disappointment to the 76ers and their fans, who were hoping to see the clash between Embiid and Nuggets’ star Nikola Jokic.
Embiid is out with left knee soreness, source says. Sixers training staff had concerns while watching Embiid during his warm-up routine and made decision for him to sit out vs. Denver today, sources said. Sixers are without Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris. https://t.co/tWBqfQ6RPw
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 27, 2024
The matchup was also important in terms of the MVP race, as both Embiid and Jokic are top contenders for the award. This was Embiid’s 11th missed game of the season, putting him at risk of becoming ineligible for postseason awards as per the league’s player participation rules. According to these rules, any player who plays fewer than 65 games (missing 18 or more) becomes ineligible for awards such as the MVP or All-NBA. Currently, Embiid is on pace to play in 62 games.
The 76ers, who were also without Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris, fell 6 points short (111-105) against the defending champion Nuggets. This loss is especially disappointing as Embiid had an outstanding performance against the Nuggets just 11 days ago, scoring 41 points in a Philadelphia win.
Kevin Garnett frustrated with Joel Embiid’s load management
Former NBA star Kevin Garnett expressed frustration over Joel Embiid’s unexpected absence from the Philadelphia 76ers’ game against the Denver Nuggets. Garnett, who was impatiently waiting for the duel between Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic, shared his disappointment on Instagram Stories, criticizing Embiid’s load management.
Garnett spoke on behalf of the fans stating, “I don’t care what channel the game is on, .. IF YOUR STARS DON’T PLAY WE’re NOT WATCHING or not as much … simple.. N I feel like mfs be load managing the wrong games.. can’t stand that ish!! Been waiting for weeks for the 2 big men to play n Nothing.. BS Just saying what everyone’s thinking..”
KG weighs in on Embiid not playing in Denver tonight pic.twitter.com/ixtSnAqxUG
— tragicpatek (@tragicpatek) January 28, 2024
The fans present at the arena also expressed their dissatisfaction, chanting, “Where’s Embiid at?” throughout the game. Embiid has not played in Denver since November 2019, which raises questions about the Sixers’ strategy behind load management decisions.
“Where’s Embiid at?” chant breaks out at Ball Arena. pic.twitter.com/fpSlLZo04M
— Bennett Durando (@BennettDurando) January 27, 2024
Embiid is currently averaging 36.0 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists over 33 games this season. The Sixers’ next game is against the Trail Blazers on Monday night, and whether Embiid will play remains to be seen.