Nuggets Coach Gets Honest About Joel Embiid Not Playing

Embiid did not play in the Philadelphia 76ers vs. Denver Nuggets game

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid was a very late scratch against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night. Initially listed as available, Embiid was ruled out minutes before tip-off. When asked about this after the game, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone shared his honest thoughts.

"Woj called me," Malone joked when asked how he found out Embiid was not going to play. "We found out very late. 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. We've had situations this year where we've talked to the league and they told us if a player goes from being active to out, there's going to be an investigation. So I'm sure that will happen."

Malone continued, saying, "[Embiid] hurt his knee in the Indiana game. That's real. We watched the game. He hurt his knee in that Indiana game, so I'm sure he is hurt. But it's just really tough when a player - and a team like us preparing for them, and then all of a sudden the last minute he's out. But we have to do a better job of handling those situations."

Finally, Malone admitted Embiid's late scratch was a disappointment for fans, but added he just wanted his team to focus on the game and play well.

Related Articles

Michael Malone Reveals Hilarious Moment With Nikola Jokic After Ejection

Victor Wembanyama Makes History vs. Nuggets

Nuggets Starter Shares Amazing Message About Nikola Jokic