Inside the previous couple of weeks, the most important storyline dominating the NBA has been the tense MVP race between Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid.
So naturally, Embiid won’t play as a consequence of what they’re calling a sore proper calf.
After a quick lull in mid-March, the Nuggets have turned issues round forward of the ultimate two weeks of the NBA common season.
They’re trying to hold rolling towards the 76ers, who’ve been dominant in March however may very well be at lower than full energy on this one.
Right here’s how we’re betting Monday’s contest, which ideas off at 9:30 p.m. ET on NBA TV.
Nuggets vs. 76ers odds
(by way of BetMGM)
- Nuggets -5.5 (-110), moneyline -225
- 76ers +5.5 (-110), moneyline +180
- O/U 228.5 (-110)
Nuggets vs. 76ers prediction and evaluation
With Embiid out, it might seem that Harden is on observe to play this night, as he participated in immediately’s shootaround.
Embiid virtually begged for a time without work after Saturday’s 20-point loss to the Suns, which was Philly’s second-worst lack of your entire season.
The star middle scored 28 factors on 8-of-19 capturing (42.1%), his worst effectivity in over a month, and brazenly admitted to feeling “sloppy,” which he says is often a byproduct of needing an off day.
He’s possible due for one after enjoying 33 of his group’s final 35 video games.
Positive sufficient, Embiid joins Harden on the damage report forward of Monday’s street recreation, which is the fourth in six days for the 76ers.
Harden sat out the primary three video games of this street journey, and he scored a season-worst 5 factors on 2-of-14 capturing (14.3%) in his final begin, which marked the beginning of the Sixers’ present 1-3 run.
Unsurprisingly, the group’s offensive effectivity has taken a success with out its lead playmaker, at the same time as Embiid continues to submit MVP-level manufacturing.
Talking of MVP, the two-time reigning winner Jokic seems to have personally taken the current dialog about this 12 months’s race.
Betting on the NBA?
Since Embiid took over because the MVP favourite in mid-March, Jokic is averaging 27.6 factors, 11 rebounds, 9 assists and 1.4 steals on a ridiculous 66.7% capturing.
Most significantly, he’s led Denver to a 4-1 file with three straight wins getting into Monday – together with Sunday’s 23-point blowout over MVP contender Giannis Antetokounmpo and the league-leading Bucks (53-21).
Now he’ll take purpose at Embiid – assuming he even performs – and a doubtlessly weakened supporting solid for Philly.
The Nuggets have coated eight of their final 11 video games at dwelling and will have the ability to clear the quantity in a positive spot right here.
