NBA Investigates Joel Embiid and Sixers after Nikola Jokic ‘Ducking Smoke’ Allegations

Despite basketball being a team sport, the league has always thrived on one-on-one matchups, historically speaking. Each of these clashes has a dedicated narrative surrounding them, and fans rejoice at a chance to witness them. For instance, Shaq vs. Hakeem, and LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry, these comparisons are the lifeblood of the NBA. In the modern era, at least over the past decade or so, two centers have dominated this conversation: Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokić.

For the second time this season, Jokic and Embiid were all set for a head-to-head in the Denver Nuggets back yard after the first game in Philly went to the 76ers’ bag. Since both teams are not in the same conference, these matchups are quite rare and most anticipated. The league was on notice to see the front runners for the MVP race battle it out in Ball Arena. However, at the last second, Embiid dropped out, which will have consequences, of course.

In a recent clip posted on Twitter from the official account of Run it Back, Sams Charania confirms that “Joel Embiid did injure his knee the previous game, but he wasn’t on the team’s injury report the day before the game, he wasn’t on the injury report all-day, he didn’t enter the injury report I’m told till fifteen minutes before tip-off.”  

He further confirms, “The league will look into these situations, especially, when it’s a last-second scratch like this.” It’s hard to say what went on behind closed doors to prompt Joel Emdiid to miss the game at the last second, yet it’s a clear pattern. Despite not being on the injury report or any unlikely prior illness, the reigning MVP was a no-show against Jokic at his home court. This resulted in a loss for the Sixers, but the funny thing is that for some odd reason, he has not played in any games in Denver since 2019.

Kendrick Perkins has a message for Joel Embiid

Even former NBA big-man Kendrick Perkins told Embiid not to ‘duck the smoke’. Addressing Emdiid directly, he said, “You haven’t played in Denver since 2019. You have to show up and give [Jokić] his lick back. Your big a– better suit up tomorrow.” Looks like Emdiid wasn’t listening at all.

Now, logic would dictate that Big Prek was right, that he was indeed ‘ducking smoke’. However, that narrative is hard to believe since he just scored 70 points and in their last match with the Nuggets, he led all stats with 41 points and 10 rebounds. This brings us to wonder what the real reason can be. What are your thoughts on the matter? Let us know in the comments down below.

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