NBA MVP Power Rankings: Luka Doncic rises after 73-point performance, who falls?

1. Joel Embiid

Last week's rank: 1

Joel Embiid remains atop the rankings despite missing one of the most important games of the season against the Denver Nuggets.

Despite not playing in Denver, Embiid has not disappointed this week. He joined Doncic as the two players to score 70 points in the same week and are the only two players to score more than 70 points in the same week ever.

In Monday night's game against the Spurs, Embiid dominated with 70 points and converted just under 60 percent of his shots from the field. Additionally, Embiid grabbed 18 boards in the win over the Spurs.

After not playing in Denver, Embiid has become extremely close to losing the ability to win any award this NBA season. After the NBA created new rules to eliminate player rest policies, it has since hindered Embiid from potentially winning the MVP award. Embiid is now just six games away from being out of contention.

Since scoring 70 points on Monday night, Embiid has upped his season average to 36 points per game. This would be one of the highest averages for a season in NBA history if the season ended today.

Embiid is worthy of winning the MVP award, but it's a question of if he can play or not. If Embiid misses yet another game in the coming week, the 65-game minimum could become a serious factor for the superstar. The Sixers' next game will be against the Portland Trail Blazers. For more updates on Joel Embiid, the MVP race, and Dallas Mavericks basketball, stay plugged in.