Due to their rivalry in the NBA MVP race, it has been assumed that Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid and Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic dislike each other.

Jokic was named MVP in 2021 and 2022, but Embiid defeated The Joker in 2023 vote.

However, the two are actually very good friends who hold high regard for each other’s games. The two are among the best in the league.

Jokic joined colleague Michael Porter Jr. on the “Curious Mike” podcast, where he was challenged to name his top five players in the league, eliminating himself. Jokic considered it and concluded that Embiid is the best player in the game, followed by Luka Doncic, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Steph Curry.

Embiid and the Sixers will face Jokic and the Nuggets on January 16 in Philadelphia and on January 27 in Denver. There will be two extremely exciting battles to watch as the big guys square off.