Denver Nuggets HC Michael Malone Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Nuggets HC Michael Malone getting exasperated with Joel Embiid

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated Jan 28, 2024 12:30 AM ET

The latest Denver Nuggets-Philadelphia 76ers matchup became a trending topic because of who wasn’t playing at Ball Arena in Denver, Colo.

Joel Embiid was conspicuously absent from the action on Saturday, which led to immense ridicule from Nuggets fans who had hoped to see a showdown of MVPs. The Nuggets won the contest 111-105 despite Embiid’s backup Paul Reed outscoring Nikola Jokic 30-to-26.

Nuggets head coach Michael Malone was asked about Embiid sitting out during his postgame news conference. The 52-year-old coach admitted that his team felt a "letdown” when they found out Embiid wasn’t playing.

Malone also insinuated that the Sixers may have pulled off some chicanery with Embiid’s status, which went from “active” to “out” within the course of a day. Malone added that he expects the NBA to “investigate” the matter.

“I don’t know how you go from being active, available, to out. I’m sure the league will do their due diligence," Malone said. "Because that’s frowned upon."

Michael Malone says he anticipates the league will look into and investigate Joel Embiid not playing tonight: "I don't know how you go from being active, available, to out. I'm sure the league will do their due diligence. Becasue that's frowned upon."

Malone also said he watched…

— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) January 28, 2024

Malone did later add that he believes Embiid legitimately got hurt during the 76ers’ contest against the Indiana Pacers earlier this week.

Embiid and the Sixers won their previous matchup against the Nuggets at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pa, but Embiid has not played in the Mile High City since 2019.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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