Michael Malone has spicy take on Joel Embiid’s no-show vs. Nuggets

Feb 5, 2020; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone reacts during the fourth quarter against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

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

Joel Embiid was conspicuously absent from the action on Saturday, which led to immense ridicule from Nuggets fans who had hoped to see an MVP versus MVP showdown. 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 during his postgame press conference about Embiid sitting out. 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 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. Because that’s frowned upon,” said Malone.

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 last week at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pa. However, Embiid has yet to play in the Mile High City since 2019.