In a disappointing turn of events, Joel Embiid has been ruled out of the Philadelphia 76ers' game against the Denver Nuggets due to left knee soreness. The reigning MVP was expected to make his first appearance in Denver since 2019, but concerns from the Sixers' training staff during his warm-up routine led to the decision for him to sit out.

Embiid's absence only adds to the Sixers' injury woes, as they are already missing key players Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris. Maxey has been ruled out due to a left ankle sprain, while Harris is unable to suit up for a second consecutive game due to illness.

The challenge for the Sixers becomes even more daunting as they take on the defending champions without four of their starters and a significant portion of their bench players. De'Anthony Melton has been sidelined with a back injury for most of this month, while Robert Covington has been out long term with a knee injury. Mo Bamba also remains unavailable.

There is some hope for the team, however, as Marcus Morris Sr. is expected to return after missing the previous two games due to illness and a foot issue. Morris will be filling in for Harris in the starting lineup. Patrick Beverley, Nicolas Batum, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Paul Reed complete the rest of the starting unit.

With limited options off the bench, the Sixers will have to rely on the contributions of Danuel House Jr., KJ Martin, Jaden Springer, and Furkan Korkmaz. Two-way players Ricky Council IV and Terquavion Smith are also available and active for the game.

It is undoubtedly a challenging situation for the Sixers, as they face off against a formidable opponent while dealing with a string of injuries. However, the team will be determined to put up a strong fight and showcase their resilience in the face of adversity.

As the game unfolds, fans will be eagerly watching to see how the Sixers cope with the absence of their star players and if they can find a way to overcome the strength of the defending champions.