Candace Parker Has an Advice for Joel Embiid Ahead of Nikola Jokic Match-Up: “Guard Him Like a LeBron (James)”

The Philadelphia 76ers will go head-to-head against the Denver Nuggets tonight. And the NBA World is looking forward to the highly anticipated match-up between Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid. The two superstars have been the frontrunners to win the MVP trophy all season. And whoever wins tonight’s battle will gain a definitive edge over the other contender. Joel Embiid is still one MVP trophy away from catching The Joker, and it will take something special from Embiid to stop Jokic tonight.

WNBA legend Candace Parker had some advice for the reigning MVP ahead of the game on how to stop Nikola Jokic from dominating. “You almost have to guard him like a LeBron (James).” Parker said about The Joker. Jokic has been scoring lights out in the last few games. He has made 85 of his 105 field goal attempts in the last 9 games. So, it has been almost impossible to stop the 2-time MVP on offense. Not only is Jokic one of the best scorers in the league, but he is also leading the league in triple-doubles (12).

LeBron James also poses a similar threat to his defenders, where he can score the ball at will or make his teammates better with his playmaking ability. According to Parker, Embiid will have to defend Jokic like LeBron by containing him on defense while stopping him from making easy plays for his teammates. Parker also advised Embiid to make The Joker work on defense to tire him out. The Denver Nuggets superstar is not a great defensive player, and Embiid can use that to his advantage. Just like Jokic, Joel Embiid has also been unstoppable all season.

And the Nuggets will have a tough time guarding the reigning MVP on the other end.

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How can the Denver Nuggets stop Joel Embiid?

Joel Embiid has been arguably the best player in the league this season. He is leading the league in scoring with 34.9 points per game. He has also become a great playmaker, averaging a career-high 5.9 assists. While Joel Embiid focuses on stopping Jokic tonight, the Joker will have to do the same with the reigning MVP. Candace Parker advised the Nuggets to be physical with Embiid by using the toughness of Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic. That might tire Embiid out and cause him to miss shots.

However, Parker had one thing to say about stopping Jokic and Embiid in tonight’s game, “It’s playing the game of numbers because you’re not going to stop either one of these guys.” With the way Jokic and Embiid have been playing all season, it will be nearly impossible to stop them despite all the defensive efforts.

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