Philadelphia 76ers vs Denver Nuggets Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart for Jan. 21, 2025 

The Philadelphia 76ers will cap off a three-game road swing with a matchup against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday. Philly heads into the game without Joel Embiid, who the training staff will hold out for injury management. Only Tyrese Maxey is certain to play from the 76ers’ trio of superstars.

The surging Nuggets look to take advantage of Embiid’s absence to extend a two-game winning streak. Nikola Jokic is ready to play, while Jamal Murray and Peyton Watson have been upgraded to probable. Denver removed Aaron Gordon from the injury report, so he is expected to play.

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Philadelphia 76ers vs Denver Nuggets Injury Report

Philadelphia 76ers injury report

Jared McCain (surgery recovery), KJ Martin (foot), Caleb Martin (hip), Kyle Lowry (hip) and Joel Embiid (injury management) are unavailable on Tuesday. Andre Drummond (toe), Guerschon Yabusele (knee) and Paul George (groin) are questionable.

Denver Nuggets injury report

DaRon Holmes II (surgery recovery) and Vlatko Cancar (knee rehabilitation) are on the inactive list. Jamal Murray (calf) and Peyton Watson (head) are trending toward playing after they have been upgraded to probable.

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Philadelphia 76ers vs Denver Nuggets Starting Lineups and Depth Chart

Philadelphia 76ers starting lineup and depth chart

Starters	2nd	3rd
Tyrese Maxey	Reggie Jackson	Jeff Dowtin
Eric Gordon
Ricky Council IV	Justin Edwards
Kelly Oubre Jr.	Pete Nance
Adem Bona

Denver Nuggets starting lineup and depth chart

Starters	2nd	3rd
Jamal Murray	Jalen Pickett
Russell Westbrook	Julian Strawther
Christian Braun	Peyton Watson
Michael Porter Jr.	Aaron Gordon	Hunter Tyson
Nikola Jokic	DeAndre Jordan	Dario Saric

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Philadelphia 76ers vs Denver Nuggets: Key Matchups

Nikola Jokic vs. Adem Bona

Fans will not see a mouthwatering matchup between Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic following Philadelphia’s decision to hold out Embiid. Guerschon Yabusele and Andre Drummond might not play, leaving the unenviable task of slowing down the reigning and three-time MVP to Adem Bona.

The 6-foot-10 rookie has held up well in some matchups as the starting center, but The Joker is on another level. Philly isn’t likely to pull off an upset if the Serbian puts on another impressive show.

Tyrese Maxey vs. Christian Braun

Jamal Murray is the starting point guard, but Nuggets coach Mike Malone likely gives the task of guarding Tyrese Maxey to Christian Braun. If Paul George does not play, the load on offense will be on Maxey’s shoulders. If Braun can keep him contained, the Nuggets can blow away their visitors.

Russell Westbrook vs. Kelly Oubre Jr.

Russell Westbrook has reminded everyone that he still has plenty left in the tank. The former MVP is averaging 15.8 points, 6.7 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game in January. Denver is 8-3 this month, partly because Westbrook has found a place in the Nuggets’ system.

Kelly Oubre Jr. will get his fair chance to shadow Jamal Murray, but he will likely take on the more physical Westbrook. The Westbrook-Oubre duel might be the underrated matchup that can steal the limelight in the 76ers-Nuggets game.