The headline writes itself: Joel Embiid is probable, Nikola Jokic is out. On the eve of a marquee East–West showdown, the Philadelphia 76ers got the update they wanted on their MVP, while the Denver Nuggets learned they’ll be without theirs. Monday night’s game in South Philly just shifted in tone and stakes.

Sunday’s 10:15 p.m. injury report set the stage. Embiid is listed as probable with left knee injury management and right ankle soreness, positioning him to play a fourth straight game. Denver, meanwhile, ruled Jokic out with a left knee bone bruise following a recent hyperextension. Jamal Murray, who had been trending toward playing, moved to out with a left ankle sprain. Aaron Gordon is also out for rest, per ESPN.

Joel Embiid injury update and Sixers context

For Philadelphia, Embiid’s status matters as much for rhythm as it does for results. After a limited run early in the 2025–26 season, the big man has ramped up smartly. He logged three games across a five-day road swing and even threw down his first dunk of the season against the Knicks—a small but loud sign that his legs are coming back under him.

At 19-14 and sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference, the Sixers are in the thick of the chase. Keeping Embiid on the floor, with measured minutes and careful management, is the quiet project that could decide their spring. A fourth straight appearance would mark a welcome trend in availability at a time when stability often beats sizzle.

“Embiid’s fourth straight game? That’s the real win if it holds.”

Nikola Jokic knee injury and Denver’s sudden reshuffle

Jokic’s absence changes everything. The two-time MVP is the engine of Denver’s offense and a constant mismatch. A left knee bone bruise—stemming from a hyperextension—has the Nuggets playing it safe. Without Jokic, the Nuggets’ usual inside-out flow is tougher to find. And with Murray now out as well due to a left ankle sprain, Denver loses its key two-man action that bends defenses.

Monday becomes a test of grit and problem-solving for the defending contenders. It’s also a chance for Philadelphia to handle business at home against a short-handed group.

“If Jokic sits, there’s no excuse—Philly has to own the glass.”

Full Sixers vs Nuggets injury list (as of 10:15 p.m. Sunday)

• Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid (probable; left knee injury management, right ankle soreness); Kelly Oubre Jr. (out; left knee LCL sprain, out since Nov. 14); Trendon Watford (out; left adductor strain). Coach Nick Nurse has indicated Oubre and Watford are nearing return.
• Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokic (out; left knee bone bruise); Jamal Murray (out; left ankle sprain); Aaron Gordon (out; rest, per ESPN).

Local analyst Adam Aaronson flagged the Sunday night update as it posted, and it matches the recent trendlines: Embiid is leaning in the right direction; the Nuggets are in protect-and-preserve mode with their stars.

Why Embiid’s availability matters beyond Monday

When Embiid plays, the Sixers’ identity locks into place. The spacing is cleaner, the defense tightens, and everyone slides into their roles. Even small signs—like that first dunk of the season—point to growing confidence in his body. The medical team’s goal is to stack good days without setbacks. A fourth straight appearance checks that box.

There’s also the minutes-and-mobility piece. Embiid handled a heavy travel stretch with three games in five days. Doing that, then returning home to keep the streak alive, would underscore that this is more than a day-to-day flirtation. It’s a plan working.

“No Murray, no Jokic—Maxey time under the Wells Fargo lights.”

What Denver must solve without Jokic (and Murray)

The Nuggets typically build from Jokic’s touch and vision, then lean on Murray’s shot creation late. Without both, Denver has to find easier ways to score and survive defensive stretches. Expect more drive-and-kick, more emphasis on second-chance points, and a slower pace to limit mistakes.

Rebounding becomes critical. Jokic is not only an elite passer; he’s also the safety valve on the glass. If Philadelphia controls boards and paint touches, it tilts the night quickly in the Sixers’ favor.

Matchup angles and what to watch Monday

• Paint touches and free throws: With Jokic out, Embiid has a clear path to attack early and often. Getting to the line sets tone and tempo.
• Turnovers: Short-handed teams can steal wins by protecting the ball and winning hustle plays. Philly must stay clean.
• Bench minutes: With Oubre and Watford still out but nearing returns, the Sixers’ rotation will again be tested. Can the reserves keep the pressure on?
• Embiid’s movement: Quick second jumps, rim runs, and comfort on that right ankle will be subtle but telling signs.

Big picture for the Sixers

Philadelphia’s 19-14 mark and current fifth-place standing in the East put them in solid position, but the path upward is crowded. The surest way to climb is to bank wins at home against short-handed opponents. With the Nuggets missing their two biggest stars, this is one of those nights that can’t slip away.

There’s also a near-term boost on the horizon. Nick Nurse has noted that Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford are close to returning. Oubre’s length, shooting, and defense slot nicely next to Embiid’s gravity; Watford adds muscle and depth to the frontcourt. Help is coming.

The bottom line

Embiid is trending toward playing his fourth straight game. Jokic and Murray will not suit up. The Wells Fargo Center crowd will expect the Sixers to take care of business—and do it with purpose. Monday isn’t about style points as much as it is about stacking a clean, professional win while the team’s leader keeps building steam.

In early January, health and habits are the story. If Embiid keeps stringing together nights like this, the Sixers’ ceiling rises. If Denver can find a way to scratch and claw without its stars, it’s another reminder why they’re respected across the league. Either way, the script for Monday is clear: Philadelphia has the edge. Now it must use it.