Even if the Sixers weren't playing shorthanded, Saturday night's matchup with Denver was bound to be a tough test as the Nuggets have surprised many this season by challenging the defending champion Golden State Warriors for the Western Conference's top seed. Heading into the contest Denver held the West's second-best record and could be counted along with Philadelphia among the NBA's top five teams at home. The absence of three starters for the Sixers was too big to overcome as the team never held a lead in their 126-110 loss to the Nuggets. Center Joel Embiid was given the night off to rest his sore back while Jimmy Butler missed his third-straight game due to a wrist sprain.
Missing 3 starters, shorthanded Sixers fall to Nuggets 126-110 | Rapid reaction
