Western Conference Recaps, March 27: Nikola Jokic Took Advantage Of Joel Embiid’s Absence In Denver Nuggets Victory Against Philadelphia 76ers

Nikola Jokic recorded his 29th triple-double in the Denver Nuggets victory against Philadelphia 76ers

With Joel Embiid sidelined with a calf injury and James Harden a late scratch due to an achilles injury, Nikola Jokic regained the MVP odds.

He recorded 25 points, 17 rebounds, and 12 assists to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 116-111 victory against the Philadelphia 76ers. Jamal Murray scored 19 points and Bruce Brown had 18 off the bench.

Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 29 points and Tobias Harris had 16.

NEXT 76ERS GAME AGAINST THE HEAT: Apr. 6 in Philadelphia

OTHER NOTES:

-Devin Booker led a balanced effort with 24 points to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 117-103 victory against the Utah Jazz. After being sidelined four games due to a hip injury, Deandre Ayton scored 14 points and Chris Paul had nine points and 10 assists.

Lauri Markkanen scored 25 points for the Jazz and rookie Walker Kessler had 18 points and seven blocks.

-The New Orleans Pelicans used Brandon Ingram’s 29 points to grab a 124-90 victory against the Portland Trail Blazers. CJ McCollum scored 17 points and Trey Murphy had 16. With Damian Lillard sidelined for a third straight game due to a calf injury, Keon Johnson led the Trail Blazers with 20 points off the bench.

-The Minnesota Timberwolves held off the Sacramento Kings’ playoff clinching. Led by Jaden McDaniels’ 20 points, they secured a 119-115 victory against the Kings. Anthony Edwards scored 17 points and Rudy Gobert recorded 16 points and 16 rebounds.

After being sidelined a game due to a hamstring injury, De’Aaron Fox led the Kings with 29 points and Domantas Sabonis recorded 24 points and 10 rebounds.

-Seven Los Angeles Clippers players scored in double-figures to grab a 124-112 victory against the Chicago Bulls. Nicolas Batum led the way with 24 points and Kawhi Leonard had 22. Eric Gordon scored 22 points and Russell Westbrook recorded 12 points and 10 assists.

Zach LaVine’s 23 points led the Bulls and DeMar DeRozan had 21.

Cory Nelson is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson. You can also check out his personal blog HERE.