Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley elaborate on their concerns for the Sixers as Joel Embiid recovers.
Setting the stage this week is a new top five of Kia Race to the MVP Ladder, fresh off Joel Embiid undergoing a left meniscus procedure Tuesday that will keep him out of action for at least the next four weeks. The latest development effectively renders the reigning MVP ineligible for a shot at repeating, considering he’ll fall short of the NBA’s 65-game minimum to earn postseason awards. Embiid, 29, falls out of the race having played 34 games. That’s unfortunate, especially when you consider the seven-time All-Star would be leading the NBA in scoring at 35.3 points per game, not to mention he’s on pace to become just the second player in league history behind Wilt Chamberlain (1961-62) to average at least one point per minute played. In 1,157 minutes, Embiid has racked up 1,201 points. But the fifth-place Sixers are 1-5 in the last six games the center has missed.
A New Entry into the Top Five
Embiid’s injury paves the way for a new entry into the top five. Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic, the catalyst for his team winning three in a row for the first time since early January, is making his way into the top five.
Luka Doncic’s Statistical Achievements
Doncic is making history with his achievements. He recently became seventh on Dallas’ all-time rebounding list, needing only eight rebounds to pass Erick Dampier for seventh on the list. He is likely to surpass Michael Finley for fifth on the Mavs’ all-time list this season.
Nick Nurse on Embiid’s Injury
Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse expressed empathy for Embiid’s injury, acknowledging his historic season and the hard work he has put into it.
MVP Rankings
1. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets: Jokic helped the Nuggets to their eighth win in 10 outings with an impressive performance against the Lakers.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder: Scored 28 points in a game, continuing to perform impressively for OKC.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks: Antetokounmpo has displayed consistency and strong performance throughout the season.
4. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks: Doncic’s recent performance against the New York Knicks has solidified his position in the top five.
5. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics: Tatum has been instrumental in leading the Celtics to victory in recent games.
The next five:
6. Kawhi Leonard, LA Clippers
7. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings
8. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
9. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
10. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
Historic Background:
The race for the MVP title has been impacted by Joel Embiid’s injury, creating opportunities for other players to make their mark. Despite the setback, notable players like Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are excelling, elevating the competition for the MVP title.
The article was written by Michael C. Wright, a senior writer for NBA.com. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of the NBA, its clubs, or Warner Bros. Discovery.
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