Embiid misses loss to Jokic, Nuggets due to knee injury

Philadelphia 76ers star and reigning MVP Joel Embiid was a late scratch for Saturday's 111-105 loss to the Denver Nuggets due to knee soreness.

Embiid seemed set to play against Denver and opposing center Nikola Jokic after not being listed on the team's injury reports leading up to the showdown. However, the 76ers' athletic staff was uncomfortable with Embiid's pregame warmup and shut him down last minute, a source told Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Philadelphia's franchise center hasn't played in Denver since November 2019. He did face Jokic and the Nuggets at home earlier this season, however, posting 41 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds in a five-point win.

Embiid has now accumulated 11 absences on the campaign, threatening his case for a second consecutive MVP award. The NBA now requires candidates to make at least 65 regular-season appearances - thereby capping them at 17 missed games over an 82-game season - to be eligible for the prize.

Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris joined Embiid on the sidelines for Saturday's game, ruling out Philadelphia's top-three scorers for the narrow loss in Denver.

Sixers big man Paul Reed led the way in Embiid's absence, posting a season-high 30 points on 14-of-21 shooting from the field in 42 minutes of play. Patrick Beverley chipped in with 17 points and 11 assists in a rare start for the veteran point guard.

Jokic, the two-time NBA MVP, had 26 points, 16 boards, and seven assists for the Nuggets, who are now 18-4 at home this season and climb to one game back of top spot in the Western Conference.