NBA MVP Ladder Week 23: Injuries clouding the picture

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 30: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is defended by Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at Fiserv Forum on January 30, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 18: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Dallas Mavericks at the Wells Fargo Center on March 18, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Mavericks 111-101, NBA MVP Ladder Week 23: Injuries clouding the picture. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Week 22 NBA MVP Ladder: 3. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

Rank last week: 3

Pts/Rebs/Asts/Stls/Blks: 29.8/11.3/4.3/1.1/1.4

FG%/3P%/FT%: 48.7/35.9/82.2

Off EPM / Def EPM: +5.8/+2.0

Embiid’s streak of four straight 30-point games was snapped Sunday with a 21-point performance in an ugly loss to the Raptors. The big man is clearly aiming for the scoring title this season, as well as MVP, but a back injury may limit his chase.

The 76ers have a difficult next week, with games against both LA teams, Phoenix, and the Bucks, before closing with a soft schedule that could allow Embiid to bolster his statistical resume. Don’t be surprised if Embiid struggles this week before making a huge surge over the last two weeks.

This season is the healthiest Embiid has ever been, and he’s likely to set a new career-high for games played. That said, he’s never once made it through the playoffs without an injury, so I’m sure we’ll see at least one or two more rest games for him before the playoffs for his achy back.

Embiid absolutely has a chance to finish with the scoring title and league MVP, but he’ll need to finish strong (and stay healthy) to pull off either.