Sixers center Joel Embiid is continuing the scoring binge that has made him the new betting favorite in the MVP race, writes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. After posting 15 points in the first half of Saturday’s win at Indiana, Embiid dominated the third quarter with 16 points while making 5-of-7 shots from the field.
The 31-point outing was Embiid’s ninth consecutive game with at least 30 points, breaking the franchise record he shared with Allen Iverson and Wilt Chamberlain. It also earned him the support of Pacers coach Rick Carlisle in the MVP debate.
“Embiid, right now, he’s probably the MVP with what their team is doing and how he’s elevated his game,” Carlisle said. “He’s as difficult a guy to game plan for as there is in the game. He’s a walking NBA cheat code right now. He’s just that good.”
There’s more from Philadelphia:
- The Sixers transformed from underachievers to potential title winners when James Harden returned in early December after missing 14 games with a strained foot tendon, Pompey observes in another Inquirer article. Philadelphia has the best record in the league since Harden’s second game back, and Pompey credits that to the guard’s decision to facilitate the offense rather than look for his shot. It has also coincided with Embiid’s ascension into MVP front-runner. “Obviously, Joel is going to do what he does,” Harden said. “Making sure Tobias (Harris) and Tyrese (Maxey) and Georges (Niang) and our shooters get their shots. You get that feeling from everybody and everybody clicking like that, which is why rhythm (is) going to be key for us in the playoffs.”
- P.J. Tucker sat out Saturday’s game with an ankle issue and wasn’t able to participate in this morning’s shootaround, Pompey tweets. He’s listed as questionable for tonight’s game against Chicago.
- Temple University has expressed interest in hiring Sixers assistant Sam Cassell as its head coach, sources tell Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (Twitter link). Cassell, who has been with the organization since 2020, is focused on his current duties with the team rather than looking for another job, according to Scotto’s sources. Scotto notes that Cassell has worked closely with Maxey since he arrived in Philadelphia.
If I were Sam, I’d stay with the Sixers. He’s probably next in line for the Sixer’s job should Doc fail. Temple is a big step down from that gig. The Big 5 has been a 1-team show for the last decade.
Regular season accolades don’t always equate to post-season success. Just ask your teammate, Joel.
Embiid can have the scoring title but not sure how you argue MVP for him over Gino. Nuggets and Bucks have both clinched a playoff spot already. Philly has not.
Weird criteria you have there for MVP…if that was a sticking point Joker wouldn’t have won the last 2 lol
Apologies the two were not directly related re: post-season success. However Bucks and Nuggets are far and away number ones. Sixers just claimed 2nd thanks to Celtics skid. Why is Joel more valuable, exactly? Feels like Harden having just as much of an impact.
You need Embiid explained to you. Then you must not get it. He’s carried Sixers at times. And he’s playing both ways. Actually I think Giannis is right there too ….
Today it’s close race …..
Embiid, Giannis, Jokic
Aka I know nothing.
Agreed, Embiid prototypical 90s big playing in the present NBA…doesn’t translate. Regular season numbers may look nice, but he’s not the MVP. Jokic is.
The Sixers now have exactly as many wins as DEN having played two less games. Stop with the stupid standings shenanigans. If PHI played in the West they would have clinched, and if DEN was in the East they would not have. Basing the MVP more or less around the fact that MIL exists is blizzard.
MIL exists because they have the most valuable player on their team lol do you hear yourself?
Jokic should have it sewn up…
If Harden gets his ast first. Run the team. Before looking for his shot. Then the Sixers will be legit. It’s coming true I guess.
Harden looks in shape. It’s what you really have to look at. Sixers have been in it all yr. They are contenders. I still see Bucks as top team.
76ers rely on 2 players that don’t last through the playoffs…
It’ll be shocking if they both stay healthy…
Philly’s best chance at a chip with Joel came in 2019. Unfortunately for them, Kawhi happened..