Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic headline the matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Denver Nuggets on Monday.
The two superstars will square off for the first time since December 10, 2019. The last three times the Nuggets played the Sixers, Embiid was out with injury.
“He’s a great player, great. Like, for real, great, great player. He can do everything on the floor, in conversation for MVP and the best player in the league. He’s so dominant,” Jokic said, via Mike Singer of the Denver Post.
The reigning NBA MVP also said he has a great relationship with Joel Embiid and there is ‘mutual respect’ between the two.
Nikola Jokic and @JoelEmbiid will face each other for the first time since December 10, 2019@sixers take on the @nuggets tonight #NBA — Hedge_out (@hedge_out) March 14, 2022
Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid are the grand favorites to win the MVP award this season. Denver superstar is averaging 26.1 points, 13.8 rebounds and 8.1 assists in 61 league games. For his part, the Sixers big man has season averages of 29.8 points, 11.3 boards and 4.4 assists.
Philadelphia wants to extend its winning streak to two games and maintain a top two push in the East. The Sixers are at 41-25 and 2.5 games below conference leaders Miami Heat (45-24).
On the contrary, the Nuggets are on a two-game skid (40-28). They are coming off a couple of defeats to the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors, respectively.
Denver head coach Michael Malone wants to see his players play tougher on both ends, aiming to return to the winning track.
On the contrary, Doc Rivers will have James Harden available and will not rest him, despite the back-to-back games. Philadelphia is 6-1 with Harden on the floor.
The veteran coach also told reporters pregame, including Hedge Out, that the former MVP should keep playing aggressively and shoot the ball, despite his recent struggles.
Doc Rivers tells reporters he wants James Harden to keep shooting the ball despite his recent struggles. @sixers head coach also says @JHarden13 should remain aggressive offensively Philadelphia takes on the @nuggets tonight — Hedge_out (@hedge_out) March 14, 2022
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