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[Jolly Sports News] Denver Nuggets fans reminded everyone on Tuesday night that Joel Embiid remains one of the most polarizing players in Colorado.
As the Nuggets dismantled the Philadelphia 76ers in a commanding 144-109 victory at Ball Arena, Embiid was conspicuously absent due to swelling in his left knee.
While his absence undoubtedly impacted the Sixers’ chances, it didn’t stop the Nuggets faithful from making their feelings about the star center known.
With the home team cruising to a dominant lead of over 30 points late in the fourth quarter, the crowd erupted into a collective chant aimed squarely at Embiid:
“Where’s Embiid at? Where’s Embiid at?”
The taunts came as Nikola Jokic, Embiid’s longtime counterpart and rival in the conversation for best center in the league, put on another masterful performance.
Jokic tallied 27 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, notching his fourth consecutive triple-double in the lopsided victory.
The rivalry between Embiid and Jokic has been a hot topic among NBA fans, with debates often centering on who is the better cornerstone player. While Embiid’s skill and dominance on the court are undeniable, availability has been a key factor tilting the argument in Jokic’s favor.
Embiid’s track record of injuries has been a persistent issue throughout his career. This season, he has played in just 13 games, following a 39-game campaign last year.
Since being drafted in 2014, Embiid has never played more than 68 games in a single season. Compounding matters, the Sixers’ star has not played a game in Denver since 2019, further fueling frustration among Nuggets fans.
In contrast, Jokic’s durability has been a hallmark of his career. The reigning MVP has never played fewer than 69 games in a season, making him a consistent presence for the Nuggets year after year.
For Denver fans, Tuesday’s game wasn’t just a chance to celebrate a blowout win—it was also an opportunity to highlight the stark differences between their dependable star and Embiid, whose frequent absences have left them with little love for the Sixers’ big man.
As Jokic continues to lead the Nuggets toward postseason success, the chants of “Where’s Embiid at?” serve as a reminder of the simmering rivalry between these two elite big men and the fan bases that passionately support them.
