The Denver Nuggets are looking to get a winning streak going when they host the Philadelphia 76ers. Of course, the biggest storyline of the game will be the All-Star matchup between centers Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid.
The showdown between two of arguably the best big men in the NBA has generated plenty of hype. Regardless, Jokic is treating his matchup with Embiid like any other game, via Mike Singer of the Denver Post:
“I don’t have the real reason (for strong games against them),” Jokic said Thursday, making sure not to frame the game as an individual matchup against Embiid. “I don’t go up (against) anybody. I’m just playing basketball.”
Jokic may be trying to do what he can to downplay this star-studded matchup. Regardless, it remains to be seen if Embiid is going to do the same since he has never shied away from trying to proclaim his superiority over other big men.
There is still good reason for Jokic to be confident given how he performed against the Sixers last season. However, it should be noted that Embiid was sidelined for one game and sick during the other. It will undoubtedly be interesting to see how they fare against each other this time around with nothing holding them back.
Of course, Jokic has never been one to put his individual numbers over making the right play for the team. The Nuggets have bounced back nicely from their disappointing loss to the New Orleans Pelicans last week and they will be looking to keep their momentum going with a statement win over the Sixers.
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