As the 2022-2023 NBA season comes to a close, The MVP race seems to be as close as ever. The co-favorites to win the award this season are 76ers center Joel Embiid and Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. However, these next 5-6 games will be crucial in deciding the final winner. Jokic versus Embiid is one of the best debates of the season. Both are mega-talented and have contributed to winning basketball.

Why it should be Joel Embiid

Embiid has been absolutely dominant this season while leading the NBA in scoring. In his last 10 games, Embiid has averaged 33.9 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. The Sixers are 6-4 in that time. Although this is Embiid’s most successful season by the numbers, he has always been a force since joining the 76ers. In seven seasons with the team, he has averaged 27.2 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 389 total career games.  However, his highly anticipated matchup with fellow candidate Nikola Jokic this past Monday was held off due to an injury. Regardless of that missed matchup, he has been a nightmare for opposing teams all year and deserves to finally win this award.

Why it should be Nikola Jokic 

Jokic is is also just a dominant force to the NBA, its just presented in a different way. His game is so smooth and his length makes him extremely hard to guard. Not to mention he is the back-to-back MVP. This season, he averages 24.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 9.9 assists. He has averaged 20.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists over the last ten games. The Nuggets also have the best record in the Western Conference, as opposed to the 76ers third best record in the East.

Giannis and Luka remain sleepers

There are two players who, although are very dominant, have less than likely odds to be named league MVP. Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee and Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks. The Greek Freak is averaging 31.1 Points, 11.7 Rebounds, and 5.6 Assists while leading the Bucks to the best record in the NBA. Giannis certainly has the numbers to win the award, but had been overshadowed by Embiid and Jokic. Similar to Giannis, Luka Doncic had had an MVP caliber season but his team has struggled down the stretch. He’s averaging 32.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.1 assists. Unfortunately, the Mavericks have been struggling to find success as of late, and Luka’s odds to win MVP have diminished slightly.

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