In a highly anticipated matchup, the Denver Nuggets are gearing up to take on the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. The game promises to be a thrilling encounter, especially with both teams boasting impressive records and a star-studded lineup.

Prior to the game, there were concerns about the availability of Denver's starters: Jamal Murray, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokić. However, an update on Tuesday morning revealed that they have been upgraded to probable, raising the excitement levels for fans.

One of the main attractions of this matchup is the head-to-head battle between Nuggets' center Nikola Jokić and the 76ers' Joel Embiid. These two superstars have consistently dominated the MVP conversation in recent years. Jokić claimed the regular season MVP title in both 2021 and 2022, while Embiid secured his first MVP last season in 2023. Their individual performances have captivated fans and media alike, making this clash a must-watch event.

Both players currently find themselves at the top of the MVP rankings once again. NBA.com's Michael C. Wright had Embiid ranked first and Jokić ranked second in his recent MVP leaderboard column. The standings have been fluid throughout the season, making Tuesday's game an opportunity for Jokić to make a significant move in the race.

Aside from the MVP battle, both teams have been playing exceptional basketball. The 76ers hold an impressive 25-13 record this season and are coming off a back-to-back game, having defeated the Houston Rockets 124-115 on Monday. Embiid played a crucial role in that victory, scoring 41 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in just 31 minutes.

Aiding Embiid's efforts is his co-star, Tyrese Maxey, who has stepped up in the absence of the traded James Harden. Maxey's scoring prowess is undeniable, averaging 26.1 points per game on efficient shooting percentages from the field and three-point range. His impressive play has been instrumental in the 76ers' success.

Meanwhile, the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, have been on a roll, accumulating a commendable 28-13 record so far. The team has been led by MVP contender, Nikola Jokić, but Michael Porter Jr. has also emerged as a standout player. Since December 1st, Porter Jr. has been averaging 17.1 points on excellent shooting percentages, adding another dimension to the Nuggets' arsenal.

Tuesday's game marks the beginning of a challenging five-game road trip for the Nuggets. Their upcoming opponents include the league-leading Boston Celtics, the formidable New York Knicks, and a rematch against the 76ers. Nuggets head coach Michael Malone dubbed this stretch as the toughest he has seen during his tenure, as seven of the ten games would be against playoff-caliber teams.

As the Nuggets and the 76ers prepare to clash, basketball fans eagerly anticipate this showdown between two leading MVP candidates. With their star-studded rosters and exceptional performances throughout the season, this game promises to be an unforgettable battle on the court.