Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic Take Charge of MVP Race

Embiid and Jokic

Two great big-men – Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets – have taken charge of the MVP race with their recent play.

Last night, Embiid scored 50 points in 27 minutes en route to a 123-110 victory over the Orlando Magic at home.

https://twitter.com/sixers/status/1484001485621010432

In Denver, Jokic scored 49 points to go along with 14 rebounds and 10 assists in the Nuggets’ 130-128 overtime win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

https://twitter.com/nuggets/status/1484190229254844418

Embiid is averaging 28.o points, 10.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists on 49% shooting from the field and 38% shooting from three this season.

Meanwhile, Jokic is averaging 25.9 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 7.4 assists on 57% shooting from the field and 37% shooting from three.

With Kevin Durant sidelined in Brooklyn and Steph Curry falling back to earth in Golden State, it seems Embiid and Jokic are the square front-runners for MVP.

Of course, 2x-MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo – who’s averaging 28.6 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists on 53% shooting from the field and 29% shooting from three – may continue to build a case for himself down the stretch.

Other names to consider include Memphis Grizzlies’ guard Ja Morant and Chicago Bulls’ guard/forward DeMar DeRozan.

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