76ers' Joel Embiid misses another game in Denver

The reigning MVP was a late scratch for Saturday afternoon’s game, after Philadelphia’s training staff didn’t like they they saw from Embiid’s sore left knee during warmups. 

It’s now the fifth straight year that Embiid hasn’t played in Philadelphia’s one visit to Colorado.

Philadelphia’s staff has been cautious with Embiid this season, especially in road games, where he’s sat for eight of the 20 games away from Philly. 

This wouldn’t be a big deal except for the blood feud between supporters of Embiid and Jokic online, where fans try to tear down their favorite center’s rival in the MVP vote.

Embiid skipping games in Denver is more ammunition for the pro-Jokic camp, perhaps why he was booed simply for walking to the bench late in the Sixers’ narrow 111-105 loss.

Playing without starters Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris, Philadelphia got an Embiid-esque performance from center Paul Reed, who scored a career-high 30 points and collected 13 rebounds without a single turnover.

But it wasn’t quite enough to counter Jokic’s 26 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists.

It’s silly to think Embiid is afraid of the Nuggets, especially ten days after he scored 41 points in the 76ers’ 126-121 win Jan. 16. 

And it’s probably wise of the 76ers to be extremely cautious with their MVP.

But until Embiid plays at altitude, Nuggets fans are going to boo him. Especially if that next matchup is in the NBA Finals.