NBA MVP Power Rankings: Haliburton and Durant drop, who takes their place?
By Jaren Boslow
![Minnesota Timberwolves v Dallas Mavericks Minnesota Timberwolves v Dallas Mavericks](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_5388,h_3030,x_0,y_232/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/83/01hhyvrhvt0w3h8fpzmj.jpg)
2. Joel Embiid
Last week's rank: 2
Embiid stays at the two spot despite yet another strong week.
Embiid's case for the number one spot grows more and more as the season goes along. The reigning MVP could win back-to-back if he continues on the path he is now.
Embiid, by far has the most impressive stats of any player in the NBA. In fact, he has averaged 40 points per contest in the month of December. At this rate, Embiid could become the scoring champion if he stays on a healthy track.
Embiid's MVP case has also grown stronger as he has led the Sixers to eight wins in a row, most coming by blowout wins. In that streak, Embiid has had three 40-plus-point games, including a 50 bomb against the Washington Wizards.
Defensively, Embiid has proven to be one of the best shot-blockers in the NBA. In the month of December, Embiid has averaged two blocks per game, and this includes his two four-block performances.
He and Maxey have only grown closer as the two have led the Sixers to the third-best record in the NBA. Having a co-star like Maxey only makes Embiid that much better. This could be the season the Sixers finally make it past the second round in the playoffs.
Until we see a drop off out of Jokic, Embiid will stay at the two spot. Despite being so consistent, Embiid is the MVP for many other fans.