Joel Embiid Leaps Into Top 3 in Latest NBA MVP Odds
By Reed Wallach
Joel Embiid's MVP case continues to grow with each passing game, and oddsmakers at WynnBET Sportsbook are starting to take notice.
Behind a dominant month that has propelled the 76ers back towards the top of the Eastern Conference, Embiid is now +500 to win his first MVP, tied with reigning award winner Nikola Jokic and behind only Stephen Curry (+225) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (+350).
If Embiid keeps up this play there's no reason why he can't surpass the three former winners and become the favorite.
Joel Embiid has now scored at least 30 points in 10 of 11 January games, and that one he didnt he posted 25/13/6 in a double-digit victory.
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) January 24, 2022
Curry has cooled off after a hot start, while the Bucks remain in the hunt for the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Antetokounmpo has been fantastic this season but has had a more complete roster around him. Not to mention, the Bucks had a grueling NBA Finals run last season and had to deal with an abridged offseason. There can be some load managing down the stretch for the Bucks' star.
Further down the board, it's the two men at +500 that are lifting their team up under extraordinary circumstances.
The Nuggets have the point differential of a 63-win team with Nikola Jokic on the floor and that of a 10-win team when he's off.
— Andy Bailey (@AndrewDBailey) January 24, 2022
The 76ers have the point differential of a 58-win team with Joel Embiid on the floor and that of a 37-win team when he's off.https://t.co/h5Oar0IHqT https://t.co/wtlmEZEERt
While this may seem like an endorsement for Jokic, team success does play a factor in the award voting, Embiid may have the leg up due in part to team success and narrative.
The Sixers are currently three games ahead of the Nuggets and have the chance to jump several teams towards the top seed in their respective conference. Philadelphia is 2.5 games behind the No. 1 seed, the Nuggets are 12.
While seeding can help voters decide, Embiid and Jokic also battled for the award for much of last season before the Sixers big man hurt his knee, clearing way for the Nuggets star to hoist the hardware. However, this season can set up nicely for Embiid to get his first after the team has thrived without Ben Simmons and understaffed team. I can see voters siding with Embiid's situation this season, and the fact that he is yet to win the award heling his case.
The betting markets have moved swiftly in support of Embiid after he dropped north of +1000 considering his dominant January, and I only see him continuing to climb. In my opinion, he is the MVP if the season ended today.
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