NBA MVP Futures Tracker, Jokic or Embiid?
The latest NBA MVP power rankings have dropped, and there’s been movement at the top end.
Denver Nuggets superstar and back-to-back reigning champion Nikola Jokic retains the top spot, but it’s safe to say 76ers big man Joel Embiid is hot on his heels in second.
Jayson Tatum (Boston) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee) sit third and fourth, but the market suggests it is a race between the two.
Is the Michael Jordan Trophy going to either Denver or Philadelphia? We break down the Joker and Joel’s chances.
Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)
$2.20
Season stats: 25.1ppg, 10.9rpg, 9.9apg, 1.4spg
The Joker has had one sizeable Serbian hand on his third MVP Award throughout most of the season as he looks to become just the fourth player in history to win three in a row.
Denver has dominated the Western Conference with a 34-14 record, mainly on the back of Jokic’s incredible form and consistency. The big man has continued to put up insane numbers and ranks first at the Nuggets for points, rebounds, assists and steals. The best player on the best team? That usually goes a long way to winning these types of awards.
Jokic’s importance to the Nuggets has been no more evident than the past week while he’s missed three of five games with a tight hamstring. Denver’s form has fluctuated throughout that period, losing three of their past four, two of which Jokic was sidelined.
While injury is usually a cause for serious concern when the MVP race heats up, Jokic nipped any doubt in the bud when he returned with 25 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists against the Pelicans.
If the Joker can stay healthy and cement the Nuggets’ position at the top of the West, it’s hard to see any player snatching that third MVP Award from his clutches.
Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
$3.30
Stats: 33.6ppg, 10rpg, 4.2apg, 1.7bpg
Well, well, well. We have a serious contender to the Joker. And no, he’s not from Gotham City. But rather Philly.
Joel Embiid was the big mover and shaker from the latest set of MVP rankings, launching into second spot on the back of an incredible month of basketball.
The 76ers are on a tear in the Eastern Conference with eight wins from their past nine games, taking them into third and within reach of Boston. Embiid has been at the centre of the 76ers’ run, leading them for points, rebounds, and blocks while sitting second for assists and third for steals.
He is one of two players in the league (alongside Giannis) who are genuinely dominant both offensively and defensively. He showcased his supremacy with a 47-point, 18-rebound performance against Jokic and the Nuggets Sunday.
He has shot below 30 points just once in his past nine games and put up double-doubles in six of those.
If Philadelphia continues to win and potentially take the top spot in the East by the time playoffs roll around, expect Embiid’s current quote of $3.30 to look like a bargain.
