Draymond Green's return didn't solve the Warriors' issues; they need a trade. Lakers keep changing lineups. Jokic-Embiid showdown. Joel Embiid's MVP isn't his top priority. Knicks' loss, Sixers' playoff hopes, and trade deadline countdown. Lakers' performance against Thunder analyzed. MLK Day celebration and upcoming NBA games.
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Quick takeaways
Joel Embiid's determination to change the narrative and prove himself in matchups against other top players.
The highly anticipated matchup between Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic promises an exciting and skillful battle between two dominant big men.
Deep dives
Embiid making a case for back-to-back MVPs
Joel Embiid is averaging nearly 35 points per game and has a chance to become the 14th player to win consecutive MVP awards. His scoring dominance puts him in an exclusive club of players who have averaged 35 points per game, including legends like Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant.
Embiid's reputation of missing big games
Joel Embiid has faced criticism for missing games against other MVP candidates like Nikola Jokic. While some of these absences were due to legitimate reasons, the narrative of Embiid avoiding big matchups has stuck. However, he is aware of the criticism and is determined to change that narrative.
Embiid's desire to compete against Jokic
Despite dealing with a knee injury, Embiid made it clear that he wanted to play against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. He is determined to prove himself in matchups against other top players and put an end to the narrative that he avoids big games. He takes pride in defending and going head-to-head with players like Jokic.
Anticipation for the Embiid vs. Jokic matchup
The matchup between Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic is highly anticipated as it features two of the most skilled centers in the game. Both players take pride in defending each other and going head-to-head without double teams. It promises to be an exciting and skillful battle between two dominant big men.
Draymond's Green's return was not the answer for Golden State -- so what is? We have the trade the Warriors need to make to save their franchise.
Plus.... Another day, another lineup change for the Lakers. Zach Lowe tells us if this latest switch change is enough to get the Lakers back in contention.
And tonight we have an epic showdown between Jokic and Embiid. Ramona Shelburne tells us why defending his MVP isn't the most important thing on Joel's mind.