How Joel Embiid’s injury will impact the NBA’s MVP race.
Throughout this season, Joel Embiid has been the frontrunner for the NBA’s MVP trophy. His transition to thrive as a better player and leader is a big key in the Philadelphia 76ers’ terrific start to the season.
In Friday night’s matchup against the Washington Wizards, Embiid suffered a bone bruise in his left knee, forcing him to miss 2-3 weeks of action. As the MVP race becomes more competitive, what are the odds that Embiid loses first in that regard?
Embiid has come into this season with a chip on his shoulder. Last year’s playoff outing displayed his very low stamina and lack of assertiveness. Throughout the offseason, talks continued to surround Embiid whether he had the potential to elevate his game to another level.
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The Doc Rivers hiring has helped rejuvenate Embiid’s game on both ends of the floor. He came into this season with a different approach to dominate and lead the way for his team.
Embiid is averaging 30 points per game along with 11.5 rebounds. Playing under a new system, Embiid has revolved his game around the post by getting easy opportunities at the rim. Embiid’s mobility and attention to detail have allowed him to shoot at a high percentage and torch his defenders.
The Sixers have continued to climb the charts as the best team in the East. The team finished the first half of the season with a 24-12 record, heading into the All-Star break.
The biggest part of Embiid’s season is his performances against some of the league’s best. He has been a double-double force and has dominated the game in various ways. His most recent dominant performance was March 3 against the Utah Jazz, where he recorded 40 points and 19 rebounds. Embiid became aggressive from the jump and even hit a big shot to force overtime. The dominant numbers that Embiid has put forth against contenders is a huge part of why he’s number one in the MVP race.
Embiid’s injury is going to hurt both him and the Sixers in numerous ways. Individually, as Embiid is the favorite for the MVP trophy, these next few weeks can give a new perspective on who is more deserving of the award. Players in James Harden, LeBron James, Nikola Jokic, and others have developed great individual play of their own this season.
The question for the Sixers is how will the team keep afloat during Embiid’s absence? Ben Simmons has shown that he can find his teammates a rhythm on offense with his great IQ for the game. It will become a challenge for guys like Tobias Harris, Danny Green, and others will have to produce more on the offensive end with Embiid’s absence. If the wins continue to progress for Philadelphia, it gives good momentum for Embiid’s return in a few weeks.
The Sixers have found a good rhythm through the course of this season. They have competed with the other contenders in the NBA and continue to climb the charts in the East this season. Embiid’s injury does not seem too serious. For a player who has an injury history, you can only hope for the best for a player of his caliber. Once he returns to the lineup, Embiid will continue to defend his case of the MVP trophy as the season progresses.