The Philadelphia 76ers (32-17) will look to keep their momentum going as they face the Denver Nuggets (32-15) at Pepsi Center on Saturday night but they will be without at least two (and likely three) of their starters. Joel Embiid will rest, while Jimmy Butler is doubtful with a sprained right wrist and Wilson Chandler is out with hamstring tightness. Here are the essentials.
• When: 9 p.m. ET with Sixers Pregame Live at 8:30 p.m.
• Where: Pepsi Center
• Broadcast: NBC Sports Philadelphia
• Live stream: NBCSportsPhiladelphia.com and the NBC Sports MyTeams app
Here are three storylines to watch out for in tonight's game.
Similarities between Nikola Jokic and Ben Simmons
While they play very different positions, Ben Simmons and Nikola Jokic have very similar skillsets, and are both ridiculously talented when it comes to getting the ball in open court. While Jokic is the Nuggets starting center, he's got the mind (and touch) of a point guard and while Simmons is the starting point guard, we all know his versatility at a post. It makes sense that their stat lines are very similar this season. And guess what? Simmons and Jokic are the third and fourth youngest players, respectively, in league history to reach 20 triple-doubles.
Pepsi Center
You know how good the Sixers play at home this season? Yeah, that's also the Nuggets at Pepsi Center. They are 21-4 at home this season, tied for the best record at home in the NBA. And trust me when I tell you the altitude is a real thing. I was seriously winded 30 seconds into my workout this morning.
Philadelphia 76ers
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Jamal Murray
You know that two-man game between Embiid and JJ Redick that we all love so much? Jokic has that going on with Jamal Murray. And watch for Murray off the ball, he's sneaky good at those off-ball screens. And, one more thing on Murray, he's been hot these past five games, shooting 48.5 percent from the field and 59.4 percent from three in 27.4 minutes per game.
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