Taking Center Stage With Joel Embiid And Nikola Jokic: Head-To-Head NBA Player Analysis
The biggest conversation in the NBA right now belongs in the hands of 2 of the best big men in the league.
If you’ve spent a lot of time on social media you will understand that these comparisons have been going on for a while–Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic are two of the most dominant centers in the NBA today. Having established themselves as superstars in the league, both players contribute unique skill sets amongst a pool of talent and are known for their dominant performances on the court.
Winning is a big part of their game, and when it comes to their head-to-head analysis, the clash is bound to rattle the odds on DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook. As they take center stage, we will take a closer look at these two players and examine their strengths, weaknesses, and how they compare toe-to-toe.
Joel Embiid Highlight Focus
Let's start with Joel Embiid. Standing at 7-foot-2, the Philadelphia 76ers center is notorious for his physicality and dominant presence in the paint. A weighty opponent on the offensive end, averaging 35.3 points per game on 64.4% shooting from the field during this season. The five-time NBA All-Star also claims a strong rebounder, logging 9.9 rebounds per game.
Embiid, 28, covers a lot of ground on the court and can overpower any opponent. A solid face of the game with the ability to stretch the floor and a good touch around the rim, he also has one of the best post games in the league - a lost art in today’s game. Not to mention, his three-point shooting has also improved over the years, making him a more versatile offensive threat.
Despite his lack of assist-to-turnover ratio, the Cameroonian international is a defensive juggernaut. He is an excellent shot-blocker, averaging 1.75 blocks per game, and is a strong presence in the paint. What makes him a tough defender to get past is his good sense of timing and positioning. He is also an excellent pick-and-roll defender, which is crucial in today’s NBA.
Nikola Jokic Highlight Focus
On the other hand, Nikola Jokic’s edge is making everyone around him better, and is known for his high basketball IQ and versatility. In this current season, he averages 25.1 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 9.9 assists per game attributable to his playmaking ability. Jokic is an excellent passer, often finding open teammates with his vision and creativity. He is also a skilled shooter, with a career three-point shooting percentage of 35%.
Equivalent to Embiid’s four-time NBA All-Star appearances, the Serbian international’s size and skill set make him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams, as he can score from anywhere on the court while also empowering his teammates. He’s a noteworthy example of brilliant playmaking ability, considering he’s one of the best passing big men in the league and any team can run the offense through him.
Nikola falls short defensively and lacks speed on the court, but he makes up for it with his intelligence and positioning. He is very instrumental as a strong rebounder, carrying a solid presence in the paint, and shot-blocking an average of 1.4 blocks per game.
Who Has The Upper Hand? Pick A Side
According to this website, when it comes to head-to-head matchups, both players had their fair share of success. Yes, like they are the same tier and both can get buckets in their own unique way.
Who have you got personally? Embiid has the physical edge and is a more dominant force on the offensive end, while Jokic is more versatile and every point gained is at his fingertips from anywhere on the court. The “2 Big Men” have given a new life to the center position and are matchup nightmares for rivals, and it is always a treat to watch them play against each other.
The NBA games are getting better and better for as long as the big men are on the court, you can bet on their upcoming games by checking out our favorite sports betting sites.
