Joel Embiid, the reigning league MVP, was a late scratch for the Philadelphia 76ers’ matchup against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets on Saturday in Denver. That saddened NBA great Magic Johnson, who was looking forward to the matchup between the two best big men in the league right now.

While Embiid was not initially listed on the Sixers’ injury report prior to the game, unlike fellow starters Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey, he was declared out minutes before tipoff due to what ESPN described as left knee pain.

The Philadelphia big man had warmed up with the squad before the game, so his decision not to play surprised many, including Johnson. The five-time NBA champion and LA Lakers legend took to Twitter to voice his sadness in the canceled clash between Embiid and Jokic.

He also voiced his excitement for the confrontation between LeBron James and Stephen Curry in the Lakers’ game against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday. Johnson writes:

“I’m really unhappy that I won’t be able to see Jokic vs. Embiid, as Embiid has confirmed he will not be playing. But I’m looking forward to watching stars LeBron James and Stephen Curry face off at 5:30! The Lakers and Warriors have been struggling, so this may be a game-changing victory for any team!”

Joel Embiid missed another year of action at the Ball Arena. He last played an NBA game in Denver in 2019, when the Nuggets rallied from a 19-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Sixers, with Jokic scoring the game-winning shot.

On Saturday, the Sixers fell 111-105 against the Nuggets without their big man. This season, Embiid has averaging 36.0 points, 11.4 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.1 steals in 34.2 minutes per game.