Reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid again proved why he’s reigning MVP on Monday.
How so? Well, how does scoring 41 points and grabbing 10 rebounds sound after he returned from a three-game absence with a left knee issue?
That’s what Embiid did in the 76ers’ 124-115 home win over the Rockets, building on his NBA-scoring lead of 34.6 points per game.
If Embiid is aiming for another MVP, well, he’s certainly making a strong case for it — and almost as much when he doesn’t play. With him, the Sixers are true Eastern Conference contenders. Without him, they’re 3-7.
Joel Embiid over his last 16 games
41 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists
30 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists
31 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists
31 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists
51 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists
40 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists
42 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists
35… pic.twitter.com/dBMO9Ih22w— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 15, 2024
On the downside, because of the new collective-bargaining agreement, Embiid can miss only eight more games to have a chance at MVP. The new rule says you must play 65 of the 82 to have a chance at postseason awards. The Sixers (25-13) have 44 to go.
Embiid has scored at least 30 points in a whopping 17 consecutive games.
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