Nuggets@76ers game thread and predictions

[elementally morale]

This is the matchup I'v been waiting for the most every year for the last couple of years. Embiid and the 76ers won convincingly in the 1st meeting last season with Joel clearly outplaying Jokic. Unfortunately for us all, Embiid decided to sit out the 2nd meeting.

Both teams need the win today. If Embiid is not missing another 8 games this season this game is also a big factor in the MVP race. I hope both players and teams take it as seriously as if it was a playoff game. Any predictions?


Nuggets and not Niggets. LOL.

[elementally morale]

I usually don't make predictions but I'l make an exception.

Embiid: 36/13/4 coming with: 10 of 21 from the field, 1 of 3 on 3 pointers and 15/17 from the line
Jokic: 24/11/13. 9 of 14, 1 of 2, 5 of 6

I'd like to see Denver win a close game. It's either that or the 76ers win by double digits. But as I have just one prediction: 115-111 Nuggets.
(No, I don't feel good about my predictions. In fact I have no idea.)

[dazzer87]

I have a feeling Embiid will be ducking smoke again……

[Im Still Ballin]

Embiid scores 40+ points. It feels like one of those games where he's lights out.

[Xiao Yao You]

Ky Carlin: Joel Embiid is NOT listed on the injury report for today’s matchup with the Nuggets (https://*********.com/social/). Mo Bamba (right knee fat pad impingement), Robert Covington (left knee inflammation), De’Anthony Melton (lumbar spine stress response), Jaden Springer (right ankle tendinitis) are OUT #Sixers
– via Twitter Ky_Carlin (https://twitter.com/Ky_Carlin)

[FultzNationRISE]

I guess since Embiid never plays in May or June this game is sorta like his Superbowl, so Id expect he’ll go 200% to try and get the head to head optics win. Jokic probably isnt gonna feel compelled to go any harder than he normally would for a January game. Embiid is also just a tough 1 on 1 matchup in general for Joker, so I dont think it’s any surprise he gets the best of him in single regular season games with minimal preparation.

If we saw them play a series, Joker would undoubtedly analyze the matchup, make adjustments - not just in his matchup with Embiid but to how he uses his team vs Philly’s team’s - and would likely win the series and win series MVP.

Like if the stakes were real Joker would be the bet to emerge triumphant, but Joel doesnt take his team far enough for us to see that play out in a finals. So I expect this will be the game where he secures his version of bragging rights for the season once again.

[elementally morale]

Ky Carlin: Joel Embiid is NOT listed on the injury report for today’s matchup with the Nuggets (https://*********.com/social/). Mo Bamba (right knee fat pad impingement), Robert Covington (left knee inflammation), De’Anthony Melton (lumbar spine stress response), Jaden Springer (right ankle tendinitis) are OUT #Sixers
– via Twitter Ky_Carlin (https://twitter.com/Ky_Carlin)

That is both awful and typical. He was good for 40 points yesterday and seemed perfectly fine.

[FultzNationRISE]

That is both awful and typical. He was good for 40 points yesterday and seemed perfectly fine.


?

Says he is NOT listed in the injury report.

[fourkicks44]

I have a feeling Embiid will be ducking smoke again……

Jokic is listed as GTD believe it or not.

[elementally morale]

Nevermind.

[elementally morale]

?

Says he is NOT listed in the injury report.

Yep, sorry. I misread. I saw injury and Embiid in the same sentence... LOL.

[Xiao Yao You]

Austin Krell: All of Jamal Murray, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokic have been upgraded to ‘probable’ for tonight’s game in Philadelphia (https://*********.com/social/). The Sixers, on the 2nd of a back-to-back, have yet to submit their injury report.
– via Twitter NBAKrell (https://twitter.com/NBAKrell)

[elementally morale]

Jokic is listed as GTD believe it or not.

If Jokic doesn't play I'll just hate it. I understand he needs rest. This game is not the time to do it. He is not injured so he should play. Plenty of rest until Friday, the day the Nuggets play next.

[fourkicks44]

If Jokic doesn't play I'll just hate it. I understand he needs rest. This game is not the time to do it. He is not injured so he should play. Plenty of rest until Friday, the day the Nuggets play next.

I know he visits a horse riding jockey out in Jersey when he comes out to play Philadelphia.

I highly doubt he won't play, I can't see him just sitting on the bench cheering, if he was going to be out you would assume he wouldn't have even bothered making the trip.

[Mask the Embiid]

Jokic is listed as GTD believe it or not.

Let’s see if they keep that same energy when he “ducks”


https://i.postimg.cc/k5Fkf011/IMG-1293.png

[elementally morale]

Let’s see if they keep that same energy when he “ducks”

I can accept sitting out for rest if it is:

a) against some bad team on the road
b) at the end of the season (April) when HCA is already determined

Nobody should take a night off against a good team midseason if they are not injured. Especially not at home in front of their fans. If Jokic needs rest then he should rest after the next two games. Playing against the 76ers and the Celtics is important. Against the Wizards on the 21st he can rest. That's fine.

[highwhey]

I can accept sitting out for rest if it is:

a) against some bad team on the road
b) at the end of the season (April) when HCA is already determined

Nobody should take a night off against a good team midseason if they are not injured. Especially not at home in front of their fans. If Jokic needs rest then he should rest after the next two games. Playing against the 76ers and the Celtics is important. Against the Wizards on the 21st he can rest. That's fine.

if you rest when you are healthy, you're a lil bitch. period.

[elementally morale]

BTW, the next two games are potential Finals appetizers. The 76ers have a chance getting there this year. The team is good and finally they have a coach. And Boston absolutely has a chance. The Nuggets also have a chance. So this week there is some valuable information to be gained. Nuggets on the road against possibly the two best teams in the East. (I do think Philly and Boston are the top teams as I view the Bucks and the Heat a distant 3rd and more distant 4th.)

[warriorfan]

if you rest when you are healthy, you're a lil bitch. period.

you are some lazy fatso lol

https://i.postimg.cc/NFDZcTtT/B238-B289-35-DE-4919-BD81-8-BD1-A1-FB59-C7.jpg

[SATAN]

Bump

[fourkicks44]

I hope we see some Bball Paull vs Joker sometime this game.

Now that could be interesting.

[tontoz]

Tobias guarding Jokic?:wtf:

[elementally morale]

Good game so far. Jokic plays decent, Embiid plays really well. Playoff atmosphere.

[fourkicks44]

The Sixers' zone is ass.

I hope we see less in the second half.

[elementally morale]

The 76ers do a great job negating Jokic' playmaking. They are denying most potential passes to him where he would receive it at the top of the key, the spot he usually does the most damage from. Philly is also doing well defending cuts. The score doesn't show it but it's a good defensive strategy. Embiid's shooting is very smooth.

[elementally morale]

The Sixers' zone is ass.

I hope we see less in the second half.

They wanted to limit Jokic and that actually works fine. He has 15 points but it's not his usual game.

[fourkicks44]

They wanted to limit Jokic and that actually works fine. He has 15 points but it's not his usual game.

Yeah but Embiid as the last line goes to stop the defender and Joker just grabs any offensive rebound he wants.

He will impact the game no matter what look they through at him.

I'm sure we get to the fourth and we will see more man to man coverage

[elementally morale]

Both Embiid and Jokic with 9/16 from the field entering the 4th. Got to fight for everything there. Embiid with more FTs but that was to be expected. Neither team playing their usual games both came into the game with defensive plans.

[90sgoat]

Went in and checked boxscore, both Jokic and Embiid 10/17, then how is Embiid at 34 and Jokic at 23 I think. Then I look at freethrows and yeah.

[90sgoat]

Murray with the two turnovers in a row.

He's a bit of a choker with the ball in tight spots.

[elementally morale]

Embiid is playing like an MVP and the 76ers defensive gameplan is working.

[90sgoat]

Embiid is so much better when he makes quick decisions.

[fourkicks44]

Went in and checked boxscore, both Jokic and Embiid 10/17, then how is Embiid at 34 and Jokic at 23 I think. Then I look at freethrows and yeah.

This is why nobody can take you seriously.

No sane person watching this game would draw a conclusion free throws are the difference .

[elementally morale]

This is why nobody can take you seriously.

No sane person watching this game would draw a conclusion free throws are the difference .


Jokic is playing absolutely okay but it's not enough. 25/16 on 11/18 on FG is not a bad game at all. The gameplan worked fine: assists taken away.

[90sgoat]

Murray choking.

[SATAN]

lol what a terrible ending by the Nuggets

[Wally450]

Embiid scores 40+ points. It feels like one of those games where he's lights out.

:applause:

[Micku]

Embiid been lights out this whole season. Great performance.

[FultzNationRISE]

Embiid been lights out this whole season. Great performance.


We see this movie every season.

All that matters at this point is if the ending will ever change.

[highwhey]

i knew that fat bitch jokic wasn't shit against a real center.

[Mask the Embiid]

i knew that fat bitch jokic wasn't shit against a real center.

https://i.postimg.cc/1zccXVrX/IMG-1392.gif

[90sgoat]

Nuggets still have the same issue with not having a truly competent ball handler to help Jokic. Murray is great, but he's kind of shaky with his handle and passing.

[fourkicks44]

Joel just called Jokic the best player in the league.

[elementally morale]

I usually don't make predictions but I'l make an exception.

Embiid: 36/13/4 coming with: 10 of 21 from the field, 1 of 3 on 3 pointers and 15/17 from the line
Jokic: 24/11/13. 9 of 14, 1 of 2, 5 of 6

I'd like to see Denver win a close game. It's either that or the 76ers win by double digits. But as I have just one prediction: 115-111 Nuggets.
(No, I don't feel good about my predictions. In fact I have no idea.)

I wasn't THAT far off. Embiid shot better than I thought he would and the 76ers defensive plan was working taking away the usual Jokic assists.

Embiid DID shoot 22 times, as I expected. 41 points instead of the predicted 36. I thought Jokic would have 24, he got 25... good call. 19 rebounds is nice, 3 assists and 4 TOs not so much. I was off there.
Philly deserved the win. Embiid was the better player on the floor tonight and their defensive plan was smarter. Close game, tough loss.

Greetings to 76ers fans.

:cheers:

[Micku]

We see this movie every season.

All that matters at this point is if the ending will ever change.

Definitely. Could it translate into the playoffs and can he stay healthy? Always the biggest concern.

[fourkicks44]

I wasn't THAT far off. Embiid shot better than I thought he would and the 76ers defensive plan was working taking away the usual Jokic assists.

Embiid DID shot 22 times, as I expected. 41 points instead of the predicted 36. I thought Jokic would have 24, he got 25... good call. 19 rebounds is nice, 3 assists and 4 TOs not so much. Philly deserved the win. Embiid was the better player on the floor tonight and their defensive plan was better. Close game, tough loss.

Greetings to 76ers fans.

:cheers:

I think the most startling thing was Joel's assists and Jokic's offensive rebounds.

Nobody could have predicted that.

[Micku]

I was curious about the Murray and Maxey matchup too. Murray is an enigma to me. I'm rooting for him to continue his PO performance in the RS, but it doesn't seem like he is that type of player. Almost like a Jimmy Butler or Rondo.

Maxey this year got more aggressive.

[elementally morale]

I think the most startling thing was Joel's assists and Jokic's offensive rebounds.

Nobody could have predicted that.

This would make a great Finals series. Well coached teams and smart players so plenty of in-series adjustments. Both the offensive rebounding and the lack off assists from Jokic was the result of an excellent defensive strategy. Jokic not getting the ball in the high post and at the top of the key changed everything. It's nice you guys got yourself an actual coach.

[highwhey]

Nuggets still have the same issue with not having a truly competent ball handler to help Jokic. Murray is great, but he's kind of shaky with his handle and passing.

mental gymnastics

its ok to admit embiid ethered fatboi

[highwhey]

i can see the 6ers coming out of the east. celts don't have a vocal leader that has that dawg in them...embiid is that man, just has to stay healthy

[90sgoat]

mental gymnastics

its ok to admit embiid ethered fatboi

Murray had 2 turnovers in a row with the game with 5, then clanked a shot his next posession.

It was a peak Bran performance.

[fsvr54]

i can see the 6ers coming out of the east. celts don't have a vocal leader that has that dawg in them...embiid is that man, just has to stay healthy

Same. I hope it's their year (but lose in the Finals to the Clips)

[highwhey]

Murray had 2 turnovers in a row with the game with 5, then clanked a shot his next posession.

It was a peak Bran performance.

the funny thing about jokic is when murray has a stellar performance running around like he's on skates making some crazy drives and shooting the lights out, he won't get the credit...jokic will be credited with providing gravity and the assists. when murray has a bad game, the loss is on him, never jokic. letus forget he dropped a measly 20pts and 3 assists. almost like his b1tch ass can't be great against someone his size that has that dawg in them. always said it, dude can perform well against smaller and or lesser competition, when facing a real center he's ain't sheeeeeit. lucky for him there really aren't many centers worth a shit, most of them are shooting 3s and skinny like a toothpick.

[elementally morale]

the funny thing about jokic is when murray has a stellar performance running around like he's on skates making some crazy drives and shooting the lights out, he won't get the credit...jokic will be credited with providing gravity and the assists. when murray has a bad game, the loss is on him, never jokic. letus forget he dropped a measly 20pts and 3 assists. almost like his b1tch ass can't be great against someone his size that has that dawg in them. always said it, dude can perform well against smaller and or lesser competition, when facing a real center he's ain't sheeeeeit. lucky for him there really aren't many centers worth a shit, most of them are shooting 3s and skinny like a toothpick.

Embiid didn't stop Jokic from scoring they defended one another not more than 20% of the time. Jokic scored his usual 25. It's the lack of assists but it wasn't Embiid it was the game plan which worked. 25 points with 19 rebounds is a good game, not being ethered. Embiid was better, sure. Not because of the center thing though. He was hitting from the outside. Jokic played more like a center this game as he scored most his points very close to the basket plus he had 11 offensive boards.

So while Embiid did win the matchup it was not because of his defense on Jokic and not due to playing better as a center. He had a great shooting night and his teammates were hitting on his (really fine) passing out of double teams. Embiid wasn't really playing the center position tonight.

[FultzNationRISE]

I dunno how old Batum is now but hes been around quite a while, feels like hes gotta be up there. Still looks like a guy any team would love to have in the playoffs.


How come Lebron never get to play with guys like that!?

[elementally morale]

I dunno how old Batum is now but hes been around quite a while, feels like hes gotta be up there. Still looks like a guy any team would love to have in the playoffs.


How come Lebron never get to play with guys like that!?

I think the Lakers can get Batum for AD. Worth a try.

[fourkicks44]

the funny thing about jokic is when murray has a stellar performance running around like he's on skates making some crazy drives and shooting the lights out, he won't get the credit...jokic will be credited with providing gravity and the assists. when murray has a bad game, the loss is on him, never jokic. letus forget he dropped a measly 20pts and 3 assists. almost like his b1tch ass can't be great against someone his size that has that dawg in them. always said it, dude can perform well against smaller and or lesser competition, when facing a real center he's ain't sheeeeeit. lucky for him there really aren't many centers worth a shit, most of them are shooting 3s and skinny like a toothpick.

It is true that certain people use the excuse that Jokic teammates are to blame when they lose and when they win say deserves all the credit because he has optimized and elvated them.

It is a pretty standard, tied and old argument that is starting to make trolls that use it even more stupid.

The team are the god damn NBA Champions.

[elementally morale]

It is true that certain people use the excuse that Jokic teammates are to blame when they lose and when they win say deserves all the credit because he has optimized and elvated them.

It is a pretty standard, tied and old argument that is starting to make trolls that use it even more stupid.

The team are the god damn NBA Champions.


I wouldn't blame anybody. I'd instead give credit. Embiid played as well as an MVP should. He had his FTs but he wasn't relying on them. He wasn't fishing for fouls he tried to make shots and he did. All his visits to the line were deserved albeit there was one really stupid foul by DeAndre Jordan on that 3 point attempt. Still deserved. So Embiid shod get credit. However, the unsung heroes here are the coaching staff with the excellent game plan and Tobias Harris who kept them in the game when Joel was resting.

The Nuggets didn't play bad they were just outplayed and outsmarted. I wouldn't blame them. One team has to win and the 6ers were better this time. It was a close game until 111-111 when Embiid came back and went on scoring the next 10 points. Well deserved win. There isn't always someone to blame. The better team and the best player on the floor won. The way it should be.

[fourkicks44]

I wouldn't blame anybody. I'd instead give credit. Embiid played as well as an MVP should. He had his FTs but he wasn't relying on them. He wasn't fishing for fouls he tried to make shots and he did. All his visits to the line were deserved albeit there was one really stupid foul by DeAndre Jordan on that 3 point attempt. Still deserved. So Embiid shod get credit. However, the unsung heroes here are the coaching staff with the excellent game plan and Tobias Harris who kept them in the game when Joel was resting.

The Nuggets didn't play bad they were just outplayed and outsmarted. I wouldn't blame them. One team has to win and the 6ers were better this time. It was a close game until 111-111 when Embiid came back and went on scoring the next 10 points. Well deserved win. There isn't always someone to blame. The better team and the best player on the floor won. The way it should be.

Yeah that is a fair assesment.

Let's not act like it was some blow out tho it was close the entire game. It isn't like the Sixers had some massive convincing win.

Like I said in a previous post the most surprising thing was Joel's assists (particularly in the first half) besides Joker stealing all his rebounds, Joel just played like he has been all season. He had 40 last night also.

Batum in the clutch, particularly his defense, needs to get credit too. Morey needs to find away to keep him on the team next season.

[FultzNationRISE]

It is true that certain people use the excuse that Jokic teammates are to blame when they lose and when they win say deserves all the credit because he has optimized and elvated them.

It is a pretty standard, tied and old argument that is starting to make trolls that use it even more stupid.

The team are the god damn NBA Champions.


Well I'm pretty sure the name 'bubble murray' comes from people giving jamal credit for beasting in the bubble. Last year when Murray had big games in the playoffs people said 'he's doing it again, man this guy is so good in the playoffs.' I even made a thread early last season long before they won anything about how well Aaron Gordon was playing while Murray and MPJ were working their way back from injury.

So the idea that his teammates dont get credit is completely fabricated and has no basis in anything. When people give Jokic credit it's because he IS beasting and elevating the team. There's no intelligent dispute whatsoever about him doing that. But that is not mutually exclusive with his teammates being good players in their own right and I havent seen many/any one say that it is.

[highwhey]

Well I'm pretty sure the name 'bubble murray' comes from people giving jamal credit for beasting in the bubble. Last year when Murray had big games in the playoffs people said 'he's doing it again, man this guy is so good in the playoffs.' I even made a thread early last season long before they won anything about how well Aaron Gordon was playing while Murray and MPJ were working their way back from injury.

So the idea that his teammates dont get credit is completely fabricated and has no basis in anything. When people give Jokic credit it's because he IS beasting and elevating the team. There's no intelligent dispute whatsoever about him doing that. But that is not mutually exclusive with his teammates being good players in their own right and I havent seen many/any one say that it is.

no one has talked about the bubble in years. your intel is off. wtf.

[elementally morale]

When people give Jokic credit it's because he IS beasting and elevating the team. There's no intelligent dispute whatsoever about him doing that. But that is not mutually exclusive with his teammates being good players in their own right and I havent seen many/any one say that it is.

He usually does. Everybody has been playing well with him on the floor for many years. Tonight he did not elevate anybody. The players played an okay game individually but the 'team' part was definitely missing. Most of the time Jokic puts the team together on the floor. He didn't do that tonight and it showed. The Nuggets should learn from this they need to have a backup plan because if a team can make it really hard for Jokic to catch passes at the right spots, he cannot get the offense going. He was denied both at the top of the key and in the high post. Had only one floater off of a pass all night.

[fourkicks44]

Well I'm pretty sure the name 'bubble murray' comes from people giving jamal credit for beasting in the bubble. Last year when Murray had big games in the playoffs people said 'he's doing it again, man this guy is so good in the playoffs.' I even made a thread early last season long before they won anything about how well Aaron Gordon was playing while Murray and MPJ were working their way back from injury.

So the idea that his teammates dont get credit is completely fabricated and has no basis in anything. When people give Jokic credit it's because he IS beasting and elevating the team. There's no intelligent dispute whatsoever about him doing that. But that is not mutually exclusive with his teammates being good players in their own right and I havent seen many/any one say that it is.

Open question to anyone...

Has Embiid every played with supporting cast as good as Jokic has this season or last?

Is Joker playing with a more stacked team than Joel has ever had?

[highwhey]

Open question to anyone...

Has Embiid every played with supporting cast as good as Jokic has this season or last?

Is Joker playing with a more stacked team than Joel has ever had?

no. but the teams are difficult to compare anyhow. last year he had AG and Brown covering Jokic's fat ass on defense 24/7, we all know fatboi can't play a lick of D so the primary defenders (guards/wings) have to pick up their guys right off the gate bc once they penetrate, Jokic won't move a finger to stop them. in that sense, Jokic was very fortunate that those 2 played amazing defense, lockdown defense as a friend of mine used to say.

Embiid finally has a good sidekick in Maxey that is more reliable or drama free. but he's the anchor on defense, doesn't rely on half the 8 man playoff rotation to cover his ass on D.

[elementally morale]

Open question to anyone...

Has Embiid every played with supporting cast as good as Jokic has this season or last?

Is Joker playing with a more stacked team than Joel has ever had?

The 76ers team that they had with Butler and Covington was not worse of a supporting cast with young and at the time not at all bad Ben Simmons, Saric, Milton etc.
This one:

https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHI/2019.html

[fourkicks44]

The 76ers team that they had with Butler and Covington was not worse of a supporting cast with young and at the time not at all bad Ben Simmons, Saric, Milton etc.
This one:

https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHI/2019.html

Saric and Covington were traded for Butler.

That team only looked as good as it does on paper because of Jimmy. No one can deny Joker has never played with a better player than Jimmy.

Besides McConnell off the bench, not much else there really.

[elementally morale]

Saric and Covington were traded for Butler.

That team only looked as good as it does on paper because of Jimmy. No one can deny Joker has never played with a better player than Jimmy.

Besides McConnell off the bench, not much else there really.

I remember that season and I think the 76ers had a very good team then both before and after the trade. The Harden experiment was a disaster but that was to be expected. And I still don't know what the hell happened to Simmons. I can't remember another young player declining that much without a serious injury.

But in the last few years, I think the answer is no. Yes, Jokic does have good teammates. Not a superteam by any means but very good role players. You still need to utilize them... but sure. No team wins the championship without good players. One is not enough.

[Micku]

I think this year, Embiid has a very comparable supporting cast to Jokic.

Last year, you could argue that 76ers had more talent, but Denver played better as a unit.

The 2019 team could've gone to the Finals I think too. Butler was the best player during the POs tho. I think talent wise they were better, but not the best team.

[tpols]

the funny thing about jokic is when murray has a stellar performance running around like he's on skates making some crazy drives and shooting the lights out, he won't get the credit...jokic will be credited with providing gravity and the assists. when murray has a bad game, the loss is on him, never jokic. letus forget he dropped a measly 20pts and 3 assists. Almost like his b1tch ass can't be great against someone his size that has that dawg in them. always said it, dude can perform well against smaller and or lesser competition, when facing a real center he's ain't sheeeeeit. lucky for him there really aren't many centers worth a shit, most of them are shooting 3s and skinny like a toothpick.


Jokic literally ran through Gobert, Ayton, Anthony Davis and Bam last year in the playoffs and destroyed. 3/4 of those guys are great big man defenders.

And the funny thing is 1) Embiid wasn't even guarding Jokic, Tobias Harris was. And 2) he put up 25/19 on good shooting yesterday.