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76ers’ Joel Embiid Set to Miss Matchup vs. Nikola Jokic, Nuggets

Joel Embiid isn't expected to play against the Nuggets on Monday.
Justin Grasso|
76ers’ Joel Embiid Set to Miss Matchup vs. Nikola Jokic, Nuggets
76ers’ Joel Embiid Set to Miss Matchup vs. Nikola Jokic, Nuggets

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As many anticipate the battle between Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic on Monday night, the Philadelphia 76ers will be cautious with their six-time All-Star center.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Sixers plan to rule out Embiid for the matchup. Lately, Embiid’s been dealing with calf tightness. 

His recent setback started last Wednesday when the Sixers faced the Chicago Bulls. As Philly has a notable double-digit lead over the Bulls, Embiid missed the entire second half.

Although Embiid was questionable with calf tightness for the next two matchups, he was cleared for action against the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns.

Following the matchup in Phoenix, Embiid mentioned that he would need a game off sooner than later. It seems the Sixers heard that and aren’t hesitating to play it safe by holding Embiid out for the night on Monday.

While Embiid’s absence takes a lot of juice out of the matchup, considering it would be the second and final matchup between two eventual MVP finalists as the race winds down, the Sixers are making the right move. 

The Sixers and the Nuggets are set to tip off at 9:30 PM ET.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.

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Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Justin Grasso was a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s Philadelphia 76ers On SI Network. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writers Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoMedia Threads: @JGrassoMedia

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