How many more games can Joel Embiid miss this season and still be in the MVP race?

Amid an impressive career, Joel Embiid is currently experiencing what many consider his best stretch of performance on the hardwood. However, his aspirations extend beyond individual accomplishments, with his eyes set on winning multiple MVPs and championships.

Embiid emphasizes that, in his view, achieving multiple championships and individual awards is what defines all-time greatness in the NBA. When questioned about why he considers MVPs and titles benchmarks for greatness, Embiid explained, “To be the best, you got to have a bunch of championships and different individual awards. My goal is to be the best, and I understand that to be the best, you have to have something to show—championships, MVPs, and whatever else, like Defensive Player of the Year six times.”

The Philadelphia 76ers’ star acknowledges the importance of tangible achievements to solidify one’s legacy in the league. Despite securing an MVP title last year, Embiid remains driven to achieve more, especially in the upcoming playoffs, where he aims to advance further than the second round, a milestone he has yet to reach in his career.

Reflecting on the ongoing MVP race, the latest straw poll indicates that Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic continue to dominate the field. Despite the possibility of emerging voter fatigue or new contenders, the poll reaffirms the consistent presence of Embiid and Jokic at the forefront of the MVP conversation. The two players, who have finished first and second in the MVP race over the past three years, maintain their stronghold, leaving little room for a shift in the current landscape.

MVP eligibility

While there may have been initial speculation about the MVP race being more open this season, the oddsmakers echo the sentiment in the straw poll, with Joel Embiid ascending to the top spot. His exceptional performance throughout the season has propelled him into a leading position in the race for the prestigious MVP title.

It is worth noting that Joel Embiid’s outstanding performance on the court is not the only thing that could earn him votes for the MVP award. He has also been instrumental in keeping the team together, especially after the fallout caused by James Harden’s departure. Tyrese Maxey has also played a significant role in the team’s success. However, the Sixers’ fate is closely tied to Embiid’s performance, and with him at the helm, they currently hold a record of 23-10 with the second-best point differential in the league as of Tuesday.

However, the only issue is that Embiid has already missed seven games, and he can only miss a total of 17 games before becoming ineligible for the MVP award. With three months left in the season, it remains to be seen whether he can continue to perform at this level while missing only 10 more games.