Joel Embiid will not be playing for the Philadelphia 76ers against the Denver Nuggets, according to reports.

Monday's game had been billed as a showdown between two of the leading candidates in the NBA's MVP race.

However, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Sixers are ruling out Embiid due to a calf issue.

According to Wojnarowski, Embiid attempted to train on Monday but the Sixers, who are already guaranteed a playoff berth, felt it was best to leave him out as a precaution.

The Sixers will hope James Harden manages to overcome an Achilles tendon problem. The 33-year-old has missed the last three games but participated in a shoot-around earlier on Monday.

Philadelphia sit third in the Eastern Conference with a 49-25 record, while the Nuggets top the West with 50 wins.

mile high hoops.

9:30 PM
@NBCSPhilly, @NBATV
@975TheFanatic
@nuggets

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— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) March 27, 2023