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Feb 20, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on during the third quarter against the Boston Celtics at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images \/ Bill Streicher-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
Last season, Embiid averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game over 19 appearances. While the seven-time All-Star dealt with ongoing injuries, the 76ers fell to a disappointing 24-58 record.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Embiid underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in April. The 31-year-old center has been active in official 76ers\u2019 team practices, but there is no timetable for his return to action.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In order to qualify for the NBA MVP award, a player must play in a minimum of 65 regular-season games. Embiid has met this requirement for only two seasons of his nine-year NBA career. <\/p>\n
When Embiid is on the court, he has proven himself to be one of the top centers in the NBA. Despite being limited to 39 games, Embiid averaged 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists during the 2023-2024 regular season.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Feb 9, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) holds the ball as Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) defends during the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images \/ Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
There is a lot of pressure riding on whether Embiid can return to his prime form or if the one-time MVP\u2019s decline becomes a trend. Along with concerns about his left knee, there are many factors working against an Embiid MVP campaign.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The 76ers are scheduled to play a league-high sixteen back-to-back games. If Embiid exercises his load management, which is presumed, he is cutting it close to the 65-game requirement.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Although Tyrese Maxey and Paul George are productive star teammates, Philadelphia is lacking the most in backcourt depth. In addition to George not being a natural choice at power forward, the likes of Adem Bona, Andre Drummond, and Trendon Watford are not close to matching Embiid\u2019s overall impact.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For the sake of a concrete answer, the 76ers should hope for a solid 40 to 60 regular-season games of availability from Embiid. Embiid can certainly lead the 76ers back to the playoffs and rise back onto the MVP ladder, though he is not in an optimal position to reclaim the MVP title. <\/p>\n
More 76ers On SI<\/p>\n
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