Joel Embiid passes LeBron as MVP favorite, according to sportsbooks

With the All-Star Game happening in Atlanta this weekend, Joel Embiid has just passed LeBron James as MVP favorite according to sportsbooks.

In the latest FanDueul odds released on Thursday, Joel Embiid is the favorite to win the 2020-2021 NBA MVP honors.

The 76ers improved to 24-12 this week thanks to Embiid’s 40-point,19-rebound performance in their matchup with the league-best Utah Jazz. He had plenty of trash talk for both Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell after he hit a tying 3-pointer late in regulation to push the game to OT, where Philly would eventually handle business. Embiid pushed himself into a different category with his fifth 40-10 game. Only four other players have managed to do that this season.

Now it looks like the numbers are starting to reward Embiid for his dominance as far as MVP odds go.

Embiid is currently ahead of LeBron in the MVP odds

Heading into the All-Star break, the Sixers have a better record than the Lakers. Los Angeles is one loss behind Philly in that column with a record of 24-13. Without Anthony Davis, the Lakers have fallen to third in the Western Conference while Philadelphia remains atop the East.

Through 30 games, Embiid is averaging 30.2 points and 11.6 rebounds while the King is posting 25.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.8 assists through 36 games. James hadn’t missed a game this season until Wednesday.

Both gentlemen will be playing in the All-Star Game in Atlanta this weekend and will get a face-to-face matchup with each other later this month when the 76ers visit Los Angeles on March 25.