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- Joel Embiid is a dominant force in the NBA and a strong contender for the 2024 MVP award. Despite missing half of the season due to injury, Embiid has still impacted the league significantly. His return to the court has greatly boosted the Philadelphia 76ers, who were struggling in his absence. With Embiid back in the lineup, the 76ers have a better chance of making a deep playoff run.
Embiid's Impressive Statistics
Embiid's dominance on the court is evident in his statistics. He has a plus-9.9 net rating, the best in the league among players who don't play for the Boston Celtics. He also has a 27-8 record in games he has played, which is the best winning percentage among non-Celtics players.
His significance is underscored by the period when Embiid was absent due to injury. Between his last full game against the Pacers on January 25 and his return, the 76ers struggled, going 11-21 and ranking 23rd in net rating. Their margin was notably the worst among teams heading for the playoffs or the play-in tournament.
However, with Embiid back, the 76ers pose a significant threat. While Embiid has yet to reach the conference finals, his presence significantly strengthens his team's ability to advance, regardless of their playoff seed.
Had he not been injured, Embiid might have been a strong contender for his second consecutive MVP award. He has scored more points than minutes played, and according to the advanced stat estimated plus-minus, Embiid has been the NBA's most impactful player on a per-minute basis this season, excelling in the 99th percentile on both offense and defense.
Moreover, due to his consistent contributions, he has been the favorite of betting fans, and the sportsbook offers an opportunity for those looking to capitalize on Joel Embiid's performance this season. Using the Caesars Sportsbook promo code, bettors can maximize their potential winnings and enjoy the thrill of betting on one of the NBA's most dominant players.
The Comeback
In his return game, Embiid did not meet his usual standards of excellence. He only took 14 field goal attempts, his lowest of the season. He faced challenges against the Thunder's aggressive help defense, leading to six turnovers despite his seven assists. Predictably, he appeared exhausted throughout the game, often falling short on jump shots and sometimes not even crossing half-court as his team pushed the pace in transition.
However, even a less-than-optimal version of Embiid significantly boosted the 76ers, particularly in critical moments. He went 12-for-12 from the free-throw line against the Thunder, showing that the new officiating emphasis introduced during his absence did not affect his ability to draw fouls, a skill at which he excels.
He also proved to be a defensive deterrent at the rim and recorded three steals, including a crucial strip of Josh Giddey in the final 30 seconds of a one-point game. Moreover, he played 30 minutes, which is a substantial workload for a player easing back into the rotation after such a lengthy absence.
One of the most impressive aspects of Embiid's is his ability to draw fouls. He is one of the best in the league at getting to the free-throw line, which is a testament to his aggressive playing style. Embiid's presence on the court also significantly impacts his teammates. He is a natural leader with a strong work ethic, which rubs off on the other players.
MVP Chances
The race for the NBA Most Valuable Player has experienced significant turbulence following Joel Embiid's unfortunate injury, which sidelined him for several months. It drastically altered the landscape of the MVP competition, effectively elevating Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luka Doncic to the forefront of the discussion.
With Embiid out of the picture temporarily, the betting odds have seen considerable adjustments. Nikola Jokic, who has been leading the pack for months, now finds his odds at a commanding -4000, indicating strong favoritism in the betting markets. Luka Doncic follows as a distant second with odds of +2000, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is positioned even further behind at +3000.
Joel Embiid is a dominant force in the NBA and was a strong contender for the 2024 MVP award. His statistics were impressive, and his impact on the court was evident. Despite dealing with injuries and adjusting to new teammates, Embiid has shown an ability to adapt and overcome challenges.
