NBA MVP Watch: Embiid’s Injury, Jokic’s Rise
The NBA regular season is nearing a close, as the all-star break is in the rearview window and we all have our sights set on the playoffs.
The MVP race this season is not like most, where there is a clear front runner. This year, there are many solid options to take home the award.
Let's take a look at who is in the race.
1. Nikola Jokic, C, Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic has been having an excellent season, yet it seems like nobody is talking about him. Part of the reason was that the Nuggets were struggling earlier in the season.
However, the Nuggets have turned it around and now have a 23-16 record.
Jokic has just quietly been doing his thing averaging 27 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists a game as well as shooting 56% from the field and 41% from deep. He has also been great on defense averaging two steals and a block.
If Jokic can keep up his play, it is very likely he will win his first MVP.
2. Joel Embiid, C, Philadelphia 76ers
The injury bug strikes again. This has been Joel Embiid’s problem his entire career and this year is no different.
Embiid sustained a knee injury and is out for three weeks.
It is a shame, as Embiid was dominant this season, averaging 30 points, 12 rebounds and three assists while shooting 53% from the field and 42% from three. On defense, Embiid was playing like a Defensive Player of the Year candidate with averages of 1.2 steals and 1.4 blocks a game.
If Embiid can come back from his injury sooner than expected, it will be a very close race between him and Jokic.
3. Lebron James, SF, Los Angeles Lakers
It is crazy to think that the king is in year 18 of his career and still in the MVP race, but here we are.
LeBron James has the Lakers third in the western conference with a record of 27-13. On the season, he is averaging numbers of 26 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.
James has had to carry the load more for the Lakers this season, as his co-star Anthony Davis has been injured for most of the season.
4. Damian Lillard, PG, Portland Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard, just like Nikola Jokic, is mightily underrated. Lillard, for the past few years, has been the only reason why the Trail Blazers have made the playoffs.
But Lillard does not get the respect he deserves, as Portland always gets eliminated early.
This season, Lillard has been on a scoring tear, averaging 31 points, eight assists and five rebounds while shooting 45% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc. Lillard also recorded a 50 point game in last outing against the Pelicans.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo, SF, Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo is on the hunt to capture his third straight MVP. However, it will be tough as many other players are also dominating this season.
The Bucks are third in the eastern conference and have a record of 25-14.
On the season, Antetokounmpo has racked up 29 points, 12 rebounds and six assists per game while shooting 56% from the field and 30% from three. As for his defense, Antetokounmpo is one of the league’s best, as he is averaging 1.3 steals and 1.4 blocks.
It will be tough for Giannis to capture his third MVP.
Honorable Mentions
James Harden, G, Brooklyn Nets
Kyrie Irving, G, Brooklyn Nets
Kawhi Leonard, F, Los Angeles Clippers
Luka Doncic, G, Dallas Mavericks
Julius Randle, F, New York Knicks
Alex Rocco is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email afr5646@psu.edu.
