NBA MVP Power Rankings: Who climbs the ladder after Joel Embiid's injury?

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Last week's rank: 5

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks have run into a similar problem that the Mavericks have had. The team is just 1-4 in their last five games and has barely shown any signs of life outside of their 25-point comeback over the Mavs.

Despite the Bucks' recent struggles, Giannis has dominated through the process. The Greek Freak has scored over 25 points in each of his last five games and even dropped a near 50 piece against the Mavericks.

Since Milwaukee hired their new head coach, Doc Rivers, the team has fallen to 1-4 in their last five games. This could be early signs of a bigger problem for the Bucks, or this could be a litmus test for the Hall of Fame head coach. Either way, Bucks fans shouldn't worry about the teams' alarming start to this new era.

With Milwaukee's placement in the Eastern Conference falling, they could look to make an upgrade via trade. With just three days remaining before the trade deadline ends, now could be the perfect time to surround their two superstars with more talent.

The Bucks have struggled on the defensive end despite having a former Defensive Player of the Year winner in Giannis and a former candidate, Brook Lopez. The team could look to make an upgrade defensively.

If the Bucks were to make an upgrade via trade, they could improve their team enough to give Giannis a legitimate chance to win the MVP award. The Bucks are 33-17 and looking to improve to 34 wins with their game against the Phoenix Suns tomorrow night. Despite the Bucks' recent losses, Giannis rises from the No. 5 spot to the No. 3 spot in this week's rankings.