“Sat on the bench eating Big Macs” – Joel Embiid FLAMED by fans for sitting out Nikola Jokic matchup in Denver for fourth straight season

Joel Embiid did not play in Denver against Nikola Jokic for the fourth straight year.

“Sat on the bench eating Big Macs” – Joel Embiid FLAMED by fans for sitting out Nikola Jokic matchup in Denver for fourth straight season

Joel Embiid did not play in Denver for the fourth straight year, prompting fans to boo the MVP (image via open source, X)

Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid are the two most dominant big men in the NBA currently. They were to go up against each other tonight, a battle Jokic lost, the last time they met. He was expected to return the favor tonight. It was a rematch that basketball fans were waiting to see. But alas, it did not happen, simply because Embiid sat out the game.

This week was labeled as Rivalry Week by the league. The rivalry between the recent two MVPs was set to be a blockbuster tonight. However, Joel Embiid decided to not be a part of it. Embiid was not on the unavailable list. However, he decided to sit out to nurse his left knee.

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The Denver Nuggets fans booed him the moment he stepped foot on the floor wearing a pair of jeans and a jacket. They were raring to see their Finals MVP give it back to Embiid after the loss last time around.

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This happens to be the fourth year in a row that Joel Embiid has not played against Jokic at Denver. It prompted Nuggets head coach Michael Malone to say; 

I don't know how you go from being active/available to out. And I'm sure the league will do their due diligence because that's frowned upon.

The Philadelphia 76ers were already without 3 of their starting 5. With Embiid out, the whole Rivalry Week setup failed even before the game started. ESPN was televising the game expecting high viewership numbers. After all, it was a matchup between the two most recent MVPs.

The last time these two faced off, Embiid came out victorious, both with respect to individual numbers as well the game. That matchup was at Philadelphia, where Embiid had the home-court advantage. Fans were waiting to see how Embiid performs against Jokic with opposition fans making sure he feels the pressure.

Embiid disappoints fans, as they rip him apart on social media

Nuggets fans let their emotions out when Embiid decided to greet them while not in uniform. But the rest of the basketball world was not too far behind. As soon as the word came around on the internet that Embiid would sit out the game, fans let themselves lose on social media.

Joel Embiid sat out tonight's matchup against Nikola Jokic in Denver, basketball fans were not impressed
Joel Embiid sat out tonight’s matchup against Nikola Jokic in Denver. (image via open source, X)

Most comments were aimed directly at the 76ers superstar. Some even compared the Lakers-Warriors game as an example of what a sports rivalry should be. Check out some of their reactions on social media below;

Basketball fans have spoken. The Nuggets fans raised their voice. Even their head coach called out Embiid and the 76ers. Now, all that is left is for ESPN to take the matter to the league, as they must have lost out on viewers because of Embiid.

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