Nuggets head coach Michael Malone expressed disappointment and skepticism regarding Joel Embiid’s last-minute scratch from the Philadelphia 76ers lineup just before their game against the Denver Nuggets. The unexpected absence of the star center led Malone to believe that the NBA should conduct an investigation into the matter.

“We found out very late and I don’t know how you go from being active, available, to out. I’m sure the league will do its due diligence because that’s frowned upon.”

“And we have had situations this year, we have talked to the league, and they have told us if a player goes from active to out, there is going to be an investigation. I’m sure that will happen.” (1:35)

As the Nuggets were preparing for the matchup, coach Malone attempted to rally his team, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus against the defending MVP, Joel Embiid. However, the news of Embiid’s sudden unavailability shocked the Nuggets players, who were already warming up on the court. Despite the setback, the Nuggets managed to secure a 111-105 victory.

Malone expects the NBA to look into the situation, considering the league’s new Player Participation Policy (PPP). The policy, implemented before this season, establishes guidelines for load management of star players and requires teams to ensure the availability of healthy star players for all national television broadcasts. Players who have been All-Stars or All-NBA selections in the last three years fall under this category.

Joel Embiid’s absence was not mentioned in the pregame injury report, and Malone questioned the sudden change in status. He acknowledged that Embiid may genuinely be dealing with knee soreness, as reported, but emphasized the league’s potential scrutiny for such last-minute alterations.

The PPP also suggests a preference for star players to sit out one-game absences during home games rather than road games, where opposing fans may have purchased tickets to see the star player in action. Embiid has now missed four consecutive road games against the Nuggets, having last played in 2019.

While the Nuggets secured the win, the disappointment lingered over the late scratch of Joel Embiid, robbing fans of a highly anticipated matchup between two MVP-caliber centers, Embiid and Nikola Jokic. Both Malone and Jokic downplayed the notion of a rivalry between the Nuggets and the 76ers, emphasizing their respect for Embiid’s talent and contributions to the game.

Joel Embiid Unlikely To Reach 65 Games This Season

Despite Joel Embiid’s stellar performance and being considered a frontrunner for the MVP award, it appears unlikely that he will be eligible to win the prestigious title this season. After securing his first MVP award last season, Embiid has continued to elevate his game under the guidance of new head coach Nick Nurse.

Embiid’s current season showcases remarkable improvements, boasting averages of 36.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. His shooting efficiency is also noteworthy, with a 53.9% field goal percentage and a 36.8% success rate from beyond the arc. These numbers represent career highs in points and assists for the talented center. Additionally, the Philadelphia 76ers find themselves in a solid position, ranking third in the Eastern Conference with a record of 29-14.

However, the obstacle standing in the way of Embiid’s MVP aspirations is his availability. Having missed 11 out of the Sixers’ 44 games due to lingering injuries, Embiid may fall short of the new eligibility criteria for end-of-season awards. The NBA’s revised rules stipulate that players must participate in at least 65 games during the season to qualify for awards.

With 38 games remaining in the regular season, Embiid’s ongoing struggles with nagging injuries make it improbable that he will meet the required number of games for MVP consideration. Despite the potential setback, Embiid has expressed his determination to prioritize team success over individual accolades, emphasizing his focus on helping the Sixers achieve their goals rather than pursuing another MVP title.