The Philadelphia 76ers have faced a difficult journey this season, especially with star player Joel Embiid dealing with injuries. Despite stepping onto the court earlier in the season despite concerns, Embiid picked up another injury just before the highly anticipated Christmas Day game against the Boston Celtics. Since then, he has been sidelined with a left foot sprain.
Without Embiid in the lineup, the 76ers faced the Denver Nuggets in a one-sided game, losing 144-109. Notably, Embiid has not played against Nikola Jokic’s team since November 8, 2019. During the game, Nuggets fans reminded everyone of his absence with chants of “where’s Embiid at??” echoing through Ball Arena.
Nuggets fans chanting:
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) January 22, 2025
“WHERE’S EMBIID AT??” 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/0A69VWh0EZ
Moreover, Embiid also missed the 76ers’ matchup against the Nuggets on January 31. It marked the fifth straight season and nearly 2,000 days that he hasn’t played against Denver. Throughout his career, Embiid has only appeared in nine games against the Nuggets, per Statmuse. He has averaged 26.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game in those games.
Chandler Parsons Defends Joel Embiid As Michelle Beadle Questions Embiid’s Absence In Denver
Joel Embiid’s absence in games against the Denver Nuggets became a key point of discussion on Run It Back. Michelle Beadle brought up the fact that Embiid has not played with the Nuggets since 2019.
“By the way, Embiid’s just never played—just doesn’t play in Denver. Specifically in Denver,” Beadlee said.
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However, Chandler Parsons, Beadle’s co-host, was quick to defend the 76ers’ star. He dismissed any speculation that Embiid intentionally avoided matchups with Denver, particularly against Nikola Jokic.
“He’s not ducking,” Parsons said.
This season, injuries have significantly limited Embiid’s time on the court. He has appeared in just 13 games so far. In those games, the big man has averaged 24.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game.
