The Denver Nuggets have been having a great run so far under the leadership of Nikola Jokic. The defending champions are looking forward to another NBA Finals run. While they certainly aren’t the strongest contender this season, they could potentially turn things around during the playoffs. The Nuggets rank third in the Western Conference with a record of 28 wins and 13 losses.
The Denver Nuggets are an absolute nightmare to defend.
You cannot let Jokic play one-on-one but he’s these worst player to double in the NBA.
MPJ is THE release valve. pic.twitter.com/4NrCUu8y5h
— Swipa (@SwipaCam) January 14, 2024
Their opponents for the night will be the Philadelphia 76ers, a team that seems much stronger than they looked last season. The Sixers had a rough offseason but it never affected their stint in the beginning. While Joel Embiid battles through injuries, he is still very dominant. The Sixers have emerged as the third seed in the Eastern Conference with a 25-13 record. They will host the Nuggets at the Wells Fargo Center tonight.
Nikola Jokic is listed as questionable for the Sixers vs. Nuggets game
Both teams have a couple of injuries listed out that may affect their overall performance. Embiid will be available for the game after an incredible 41-point performance in his last game. Jalen Springer (ankle), Kenneth Lofton Jr. (shoulder), and Mo Bamba (knee) will miss the Nuggets game. De’Anthony Melton (back) and Robert Covington (knee) will remain out.
THE DUNK! https://t.co/PCZ2gmuXqC pic.twitter.com/MrNsSBk8lM
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 15, 2024
Nikola Jokic has been listed as questionable due to a hip strain. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (back/neck), Aaron Gordon (heel), Jamal Murray (tibia), and Michael Porter Jr. (knee) are questionable along with Jokic. Julian Strawther (knee) and Vlatko Cancar (knee) have been ruled out.
Philadelphia 76ers Injury Report:
- Jaden Springer (Out)
- Kenneth Lofton Jr. (Out)
- Mo Bamba (Out)
- De’Anthony Melton (Out)
- Robert Covington (Out)
Philadelphia 76ers Expected Lineup:
- Tyrese Maxey
- Kelly Oubre Jr.
- Tobias Harris
- Nicolas Batum
- Joel Embiid
Denver Nuggets Injury Report:
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Questionable)
- Julian Strawther (Out)
- Aaron Gordon (Questionable)
- Michael Porter Jr. (Questionable)
- Jamal Murray (Questionable)
- Nikola Jokic (Questionable)
- Vlatko Cancer (Out)
Denver Nuggets Expected Lineup:
- Reggie Jackson
- Christian Braun
- Justin Holiday
- Peyton Watson
- DeAndre Jordan
Will the Nuggets win against the Sixers without Nikola Jokic?
This is going to be a scary scenario as the Nuggets have confirmed that their entire starting lineup is questionable for the game. However, the good news is that they are listed under day-to-day observation, which means their availability will be a game-time decision. Reggie Jackson will be their only offensive asset as he averages 11.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists coming off the bench. The Nuggets have a dangerous scenario waiting ahead.
The Denver Nuggets Core Four
25 PTS for Jokic
25 PTS for Murray
25 PTS for MPJ
20 PTS for AG39/56 FG (69.6%) pic.twitter.com/0Oh8OafPw2
— Swipa (@SwipaCam) January 14, 2024
The Nuggets are one of the best offensive teams in the league, however, they rely on Jokic and Murray to carry them entirely. The Sixers are lucky that they have Embiid and Maxey in the lineup. They have elite scorers which brings them to the top five ranks in points differential and points allowed categories. The Sixers are favored to win this matchup.
