Joel Embiid’s no-show, Nikola Jokic’s reluctance and MVP debate

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and assistant sportswriter Matt Schubert are joined by ESPN NBA reporter Ohm Youngmisuk following the Nuggets-76ers showdown that wasn’t. Among the topics covered:

• • The highly anticipated showdown between MVP favorites Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid turned out to be a dud, with Embiid unable to play due to a calf injury. What impact does Embiid’s DNP have on the MVP race? Is the price now to lose for Jokic? Or will it depend on how things develop over the next two weeks?
  • The MVP debate has become increasingly toxic in recent weeks – a development that seems to annoy both Jokic and Embiid. Do the two players care more about winning the prize than they let on?
  • The Western Conference standings remain incredibly tight below the top three seeds. Which teams do the Nuggets most want to avoid in the first round? Should Denver really want to avoid the Lakers? Can the Mavs rally early enough to be a threat? Is Golden State still a juggernaut to be feared?
  • What’s the confidence level with the Nuggets in the playoffs? And who can coach Michael Malone trust come playoff time?

Subscribe to the podcast
SoundCloud | iTunes | Embroiderer | Spotify | RSS

Producer: Aaron Ontiveroz
Music: “Follow the leader” The Trujillo Company

Want more Nuggets news? Sign up to the Nuggets Insider to get all of our NBA analysis.