Joel Embiid’s prospects of winning a repeat are ended, which has made the NBA MVP race a little more open.

When it was announced that the Philadelphia 76ers big man would require surgery to repair the lateral meniscus in his left knee, he was the clear favourite halfway through the season.

Tuesday was Embiid’s operation day. The Sixers did not provide a return schedule of any type. Though there’s no way he can continue his MVP reign in light of the new league regulations on the minimum number of games required to qualify for awards, he may still make a comeback in time for the postseason.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Nikola Jokic take the lead as MVP.

Among the Denver Nuggets, the reigning champions, Jokic has the inside track to win a third MVP title in as many seasons. Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City’s rising star, is not far behind, and don’t underestimate the “Greek Freak.”

But really, if someone other than Embiid, Jokic, or Antetokounmpo tries to win the NBA MVP award for the first time since 2017–18, this might be the year of the dark horse.

The odds are in Jokic’s favour; FanDuel Sportsbook now has him at minus-150. Two-time MVP winner Antetokounmpo is listed at plus-650, while Gilgeous-Alexander is at plus-230.

A few long shots are worth observing, one of whom is Jalen Brunson. Even without Julius Randle, the New York Knicks are still in the hunt for the MVP award, and his stature is growing. Remember Kawhi Leonard as well, who served as a spark for the Los Angeles Clippers’ comeback. Or Luka Doncic, the brilliant guard from Dallas, who scored the most points of the season on January 26 with 73 (Embiid had 70 four days earlier). or Jayson Tatum, the all-around forward for Boston. Or even Anthony Edwards, who has led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a tie for the top slot in the Western Conference with the Thunder and is at plus-50,000 to win an MVP.

Due to Embiid’s tragedy, there is now more room for criticism of the game-minimum rules in place this season, which were put in place to discourage “load management,” or resting fit players, in addition to the MVP race. In most cases, players must participate in 65 regular-season games under the terms of the current collective bargaining agreement in order to be considered for awards like MVP or All-NBA teams.

The slope is slick.

Embiid suffered a left knee injury during the Golden State Warriors’ defeat last week. However, he has already had significant playing time loss due to knee problems this season. He missed the game in Denver and the next one in Portland due to an injury that needed to be operated on.

“Health is something that we simply cannot take for granted,” stated ESPN college, NBA, and WNBA commentator Monica McNutt. “Even at that point, I thought, ‘Well, well, even if (Embiid) misses MVP, he’s already accomplished that.'” All you want is for him to be healthy come playoff time. Really, when the stars are available and performing brilliantly on the greatest platforms, our league is at its finest.

Jokic has been a prolific scorer for a while, and this season he is averaging 26.3 points, 12.2 rebounds, and nine assists per game. These numbers are exactly in line with his MVP seasons of 2020–21 and ’21–22.

The 2004 NBA Champion Chauncey Billups, who coached the Trail Blazers, said of the player, “He’s the best passer I have ever seen in any position.” “He’s truly exceptional. Simply put, nothing compares to it. He just does everything, including bringing the ball up to the floor. He puts you in a lot of difficult defensive situations.

Michael Malone, Jokic’s coach, doesn’t disagree; the versatile centre has recorded 15 triple-doubles this season. As the Nuggets captured their first championship last season, Jokic was also named the NBA Finals MVP.

Malone remarked, “Just his ability to be great for himself, but more importantly, his ability to improve everyone around him.” That really is what excellence is all about.

“I’m sure we’ve been spoilt. It’s possible that some of us take it for granted. However, keep in mind that not many individuals are as good as Nikola Jokic when they enter those doors, and cherish every chance you get to see him play.

Gilgeous-Alexander is also playing some excellent basketball in Oklahoma City. The sixth-year player is the league’s top scorer overall and just keeps getting better.

Every season, Antetokounmpo is mentioned in discussions about MVPs. Since Doc Rivers became the coach, he has thrived in a new system, averaging 34.3 points in four games.

One thing is certain: this close MVP race is going to come down to an exciting finish.