Embiid is simply dominating right now. He is unstoppable. If you watched yesterday's Cavs game no one on the team could defend him. Every time he had the ball in the paint he was fouled or scored. He has been doing this game after game yet Jokic who was an underdog to Embiid in the MVP race is now over a 3-1 favorite in some spots. This is based on the straw MVP poll done by ESPN. They are ignoring Giannis who also has been playing at an MVP level. Embiid and Jokic had almost identical games last night. Embiid was 44/17/3 and Jokic was 38/18/6 but the difference is the Cavs were almost completely healthy and Jokic was playing the Lakers without Lebron. It would seem despite the poll there might be value taking Embiid. The voters have seen more games since the poll meaning they can change their minds. The problem is the Sixers are in a tough spot. It is in their interest to not pass Boston or Milwaukee in the standings. Right now they would play the Bulls in the first round and Miami in the second. If the Bucks and Celtics win their first round games they meet in the second round. Sixers would seem to have an easy path to Conference Finals. It's almost imperative that they rest Embiid and Harden. They play Indiana, Toronto away and then Indiana, Detroit at home. The Celts still have to play the Bucks and Memphis. I think they will rest Embiid and Harden against the Raptors with some bogus injury, see where the Celtics are at and make a decision for Saturday's game. If you rest Embiid it diminishes his MVP chances. I think the books are taking that into account. Jokic is probably playing all his remaining games.
Its a good 3 way race between Embid, Jokic, and Giannis
I think Denver needs to avoid the play in game for Jokic to improve his chances
I think whoever finishes with a better seed between the bucks and sixers will improve either Giannis or Embid's chances
Jokic won last year and Giannis won the 2 years prior so i wonder if that favors Embid as if its close, they'll vote for the player who hasnt won?
BTW, i think Booker will finish higher than Luka
I think Denver needs to avoid the play in game for Jokic to improve his chances
I think whoever finishes with a better seed between the bucks and sixers will improve either Giannis or Embid's chances
Jokic won last year and Giannis won the 2 years prior so i wonder if that favors Embid as if its close, they'll vote for the player who hasnt won?
BTW, i think Booker will finish higher than Luka
I could see Giannis in mix too
Booker has missed a little too much time and he team leans less on him than others but definitely 5th best candidate at worst.
Mavs have been so hot after a mediocre start. Could finish with the third best record in the league , and basically just Luka with solid role players
Jokic plays with even less and still just 2 games worse then mavs.
Jokic is now a lock. Giannis could have over taken him if he went on a big run and Bucks took over the #1 seed. That ain't going to happen. Embiid has almost 0 chance now.
Jokic will win 2nd straight. No value in anyone else anymore.
edit: i suppose if nuggets fell into play-in tourney Embiid could also win it. But come on, up 2 games with i believe 3 to go. Also not happening.
They couldn't give it to a white guy 3 years in a row
No matter how deserving a player is, they aren't gonna give any type of MVP award a 3rd or 4th consecutive time in any sport anymore
Last I remember was Dwight Howard who won Defensive Player Of Year Award 3 years straight and easily should have been a 4th, but they laughingly gave it to Tyson Chandler just to change it up
Last I remember was Dwight Howard who won Defensive Player Of Year Award 3 years straight and easily should have been a 4th, but they laughingly gave it to Tyson Chandler just to change it up
Yep kinda says a lot doesn't it
