Denver Nuggets at Philadelphia 76ers

By Sam Batz

It’s rivalry week in the NBA, and on Saturday, Jan. 28th, the Denver Nuggets go up against the Philadelphia 76ers for a battle of the big-men. This is an interesting matchup to feature during a “rivalry week”, as the Sixers and Nuggets don’t share a contentious history, in fact, they don’t share much of a history at all. Philly and Denver have played less than 100 regular season games, and have never met in the postseason. So where is the rivalry here? Well, this particular matchup has less to do with franchise history, and more to do with the history between two players: Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid and Denver’s Nikola Jokić. 

Philadelphia’s 5x All-Star, 4x All-NBA, and 3x All-Defensive Team selection, Joel Embiid, has been a monster this year. Without Embiid, the Sixers would be lost. Embiid is a dynamic player capable of scoring from anywhere on the court. As a result, he leads the league with an incredible 33.4 points per game, as well as 9.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 53.2% from the field. Embiid has led the Sixers to a 31-16 record, where they currently rank as the 2nd seed in the East. Philadelphia is coming off their sixth straight win after beating the Brooklyn Nets 137-133 on Wednesday, but now face the daunting task of playing Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets. 

The Denver Nuggets are the No. 1 seed in the West with a 34-15 record. Much of their success can be attributed to one player, Nikola Jokić. “The Joker” is leading Denver in points (25.1), rebounds (11.0), assists (9.9), and steals (1.4). The reigning two-time MVP is having another special season and is on track to win a historic third consecutive MVP award. Jokić is a do-it-all type of player with a versatile skill-set, and as a result, leads the league with an impressive 15 triple-doubles through 42 games. Nikola Jokić is arguably Joel Embiid’s toughest opponent of the year, and on Saturday, the two heavy-weight talents face-off for the first time this season in what will be a thrilling battle. 

 

Nuggets vs. 76ers Stat Comparison 

Denver Nuggets (34-15) Points/Game: 116.5 (8th)* Points Allowed/Game: 112.4 (12th) Field Goal Percentage: 50.7% (2nd)* Three-Point Percentage: 39.5% (1st)* Offensive Rating: 117.2 (2nd)* Defensive Rating: 113.0 (14th) Away Record (win-rate): 12-11 (52.2%) Non-Conference Record (win-rate): 9-5 (64.3%)

Philadelphia 76ers (31-16) Points/Game: 114.6 (13th) Points Allowed/Game: 110.7 (4th)* Field Goal Percentage: 48.2% (8th) Three-Point Percentage: 38.2% (4th) Offensive Rating: 115.4 (5th) Defensive Rating: 111.3 (7th)* Home Record (win-rate): 18-7 (72.0%) Non-Conference Record (win-rate): 13-6 (68.4%)

 

Nuggets vs. 76ers Odds

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Nuggets vs. 76ers Bettings Trends

Denver Nuggets 25-23-1 record ATS this season 10-13 record ATS on the road 7-7 record ATS against the East 2-3 record ATS against the East on the road 22-27 O/U record this season 2-8 O/U record in the last 10 games 6-5 record as the Underdogs 4-5 record as the Underdogs on the road

Philadelphia 76ers 25-20-1 record ATS this season 15-9-1 record ATS at home 12-7 record ATS against the West 8-2 record ATS against the West at home 29-18 O/U record this season 8-2 O/U record in the last 10 games 23-10 record as the Favorites 15-6 record as the Favorites at home

 

Nuggets vs. 76ers All-Time Series

Starting in 1976, Denver and Philadelphia have played a total of 94 regular season games. The Sixers can claim the historical advantage with 52 total wins, as the Nuggets trail by 10 games with 42 total wins. The two sides have not yet played this season, however in the last 10 matchups, Denver and Philadelphia are split with 5 wins a piece. Saturday’s contest is the first of two games between Denver and Philadelphia this season, and should be an entertaining contest. 

 

Joel Embiid vs. Nikola Jokić

Joel Embiid Age: 28 HT/WT: 7’ 0”, 280 lbs Draft Info: Rd 1, Pk 3 Points/Game: 33.4 (1st) Rebounds/Game: 9.8 (13th) Assists/Game: 4.1 (48th) FG%: 53.2% (25th) Double-Doubles: 21 Triple-Doubles: 1

Nikola Jokić Age: 27 HT/WT: 6’ 11”, 284 lbs Draft Info: Rd 2, Pk 41 Points/Game: 25.1 (16th) Rebounds/Game: 11.0 (6th) Assists/Game: 9.9 (3rd) FG%: 62.9% (8th)  Double-Doubles: 33 Triple-Doubles: 15

Prediction

In the battle between the league’s two-best big-men, I like Joel Embiid and the

Philadelphia 76ers. In a seven-game series, I would likely take the Denver Nuggets, but in a single-game contest, I’ll take the team with home-court advantage. The Sixers are 18-7 at home, compared to the Nuggets who are 12-11 on the road. It may sound simple, but in a game as close as this one, it’s the little things that make the biggest differences, and the game’s location always has a part to play. 

Both Denver and Philadelphia are 8-2 in their last 10 games. Over that period of games, Denver averaged 115.7 points per game, while Philadelphia averaged 121.8. In a game that will likely turn into a high-scoring, back-and-forth affair, I would put my money on the Sixers. The Nuggets have given up fewer opponent points in their last 10 games (1,073) compared to the 76ers (1,180), but Philly’s defense overall ranks higher than Denvers, and while Nikola Jokić will have a big-day, the rest of the Nuggets roster to fall short of expectations. 

Prediction: Philadelphia 76ers Moneyline and the Over. 

 

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