A Tradition Unlike Any Other: Joel Embiid is OUT tonight against the Denver Nuggets, basketball fans hit the engagement farm on social media

The Philadelphia 76ers are back in action tonight, looking to snap a six-game skid against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. It won’t be easy, with Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond both sidelined.

That of course, means that we will not be treated with a Nikola Jokic – Joel Embiid battle. It also means that basketball fans across social media have put on their boots and grabbed their shovels and rakes to head straight to the Joel Embiid Engagement Farm, claiming that the 76ers superstar is “ducking” Jokic yet again.

Oh, Great: Joel Embiid is OUT for at least another 7-10 days due to swelling in left knee

Let’s get things straight before we dive into it. Joel Embiid has never and will never “duck” Nikola Jokic. In fact, that’s when he typically plays some of his best basketball.

Joel Embiid vs Nikola Jokic / Denver Nuggets:

A Tradition Unlike Any Other:

Any time the 76ers are scheduled to play the Nuggets, especially on the road, basketball fans LOVE to flood social media saying that Embiid is “ducking” Jokic and that “he’s only hurt” when he sees Denver on the schedule.

Obviously, as a life-long suffering 76ers fan and Joel Embiid purist, I know damn well that’s not the case but once the media and fans are finished with their Jalen Hurts / Eagles smear campaigns, the next logical engagement farm to hit is Joel Embiid.

Like clockwork, we’re seeing that today.

Joel Embiid Engagement Farming:

The 76ers play the Nuggets today. Joel Embiid is out.

The last time Embiid played in Denver:
▪️ Tom Brady was the Patriots QB
▪️ Todd Gurley was still on the Rams
▪️ Bradley Beal averaged 30 PPG
▪️ "Tiger King" and "The Last Dance" weren't out yet
▪️ UK was still part of the EU pic.twitter.com/ljpplIfR4T

— Underdog (@UnderdogFantasy) January 21, 2025

Blah blah blah blah blah

Honestly, it feels good to have people trashing Joel Embiid on social media again. Not because he deserves the criticism, but at least someone is talking about him and the 76ers while they are on the verge of going from contenders to full-blown Tankathon favorites this season. 

Sure, Embiid isn’t playing. He’s out because his left knee is swelling and probably won’t return until after the NBA All-Star Break. 

The Sixers are 15-26 on the season. They sit in 11th place in the Eastern Conference Standings. Meanwhile, Joshua Harris is on the sidelines every week with the Washington Commanders, and is currently preparing for the NFC Championship Game which unironically is being played in South Philly this Sunday. 

Side Note: Does Josh Harris have any idea that the 76ers are in a tailspin? Does anyone know where Daryl Morey is? What does Elton Brand do exactly?

‘Modern Day Paul Revere’ cycles through Philly area to warn everyone that the tyrannical Joshua Harris will bring the Commies to South Philly on Sunday

Anyways, there’s nothing funny about Embiid being out again tonight against the Denver Nuggets. No, he’s not “ducking” Nikola Jokic. 

Joel Embiid has averaged 27.6 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in 8 games against Nikola Jokic in his career. 

Last time I checked, Jokic and Nuggets came to South Philly, on the second night of a back-to-back, Joel Embiid continued his tradition of dominant performances vs. the Nuggets at home, scoring 41 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, assisting 10 shots, and blocking 1 shot on 13-23 FG, 3-6 3PT, 12-15 FT shooting.

Joel Embiid dominates Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets:

So the casuals will make jokes but at the end of the day, no one hates the 76ers more than 76ers fans. As for Joel Embiid, get well soon before we completely set our sights the Tankathon to Capture The Flagg. 

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