NBA MVP Power Rankings: Giannis Antetokounmpo falls, new player joins top five

2. Joel Embiid

Last week's rank: 2

Nothing may have changed inside the top three, but a lot happened that could shake up the future power rankings.

Joel Embiid has dominated his way into the month of December. With two powerful wins over lesser Eastern Conference opponents, it's easy to see how good Embiid has been. He has already dropped a 50-point game and followed it up with a 38-point showcase.

Embiid's dominance has continued to be on full display. He has demolished the boards in both performances and has anchored down low for the Sixers all season long.

Defensively, Embiid has looked like a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, and it was no different over last week's stretch. In a game against the Hawks, Embiid had four blocks and made Clint Capela look like a JV player. If Embiid can hone in on the defensive end every night, then he could easily become a back-to-back MVP winner.

In earlier games, Embiid did the same thing to opposing centers. He made them look silly all night long.

Offensively, the numbers that Embiid has put up have been no joke. He has shot an easy 51 percent from the field and has almost looked better than last season. He has dominated inside in both scoring and also creating second-chance opportunities.

If Embiid continues to be this good on the glass, then he will average a career-high three offensive rebounds.

The Sixers' schedule won't get any easier as they have a tough week approaching. They will need all of Embiid's abilities if they wish to continue winning games. The Sixers are well on their way to having one of the best records in the East.