The Philadelphia 76ers face Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night, and Joel Embiid is once again at the center of the injury report. The 76ers have listed Embiid as out with a right oblique strain, making Philadelphia the franchise star the focus of attention as the team looks to extend a two-game winning streak.
The 76ers enter the matchup at 37-31, No. 9 in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Nuggets are 41-27, in 5th place in the Western Conference and looking to bounce back from a recent loss against the Los Angeles Lakers. With both teams pushing for momentum, Embiid's absence looms large.
Embiid remains the 76ers' anchor when available. In 33 games, he is averaging 26.6 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists, while shooting 49.5 percent from the field, 31.8 percent from three and 85.8 percent from the line. He also adds 1.1 blocks and 0.6 steals per game.
When Embiid plays, the 76ers operate with far more structure and interior dominance. His ability to command double teams and control the paint shapes Philadelphia's entire offensive system.
joel embiid injury status vs nuggets
The 76ers' injury report includes several additional names. Jonny Broom is out as his right knee recovers from surgery. Paul George is out due to league suspension. Tyrese Maxey is out with a strained right tendon, while Kelly Oubre Jr. is out with a left elbow sprain. Dellen Terry is listed as questionable due to a left shoulder problem.
As for Denver, the Nuggets have several players listed out on the injury report. Those names include Jabari Walker, Darron Holmes II, Curtis Jones and KJ Simpson on G League assignment. Peyton Watson is also out with a right hamstring strain.
Still, Embiid's absence remains the biggest story in this matchup. The 76ers will try to maintain their momentum even without their star. The Nuggets, meanwhile, aim to respond after the loss.
So when it comes to the question of whether Joel Embiid is playing tonight against the Nuggets, the answer is no. Their rightward bias will keep them on the sidelines. As a result, Philadelphia will need to adjust in an important inter-conference matchup.
