The NBA MVP race has become a little more open now that Joel Embiid’s prospects of repeating are finished.

The Philadelphia 76ers big man was the odds-on favorite at the halfway point of the season before it was revealed that he would require surgery to repair the lateral meniscus in his left knee.

Following surgery on Tuesday, Embiid will be examined in four weeks and is expected to be sidelined for much longer. The Sixers did not provide any timetable for his return.

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There is still a chance he will return for the postseason; however, he will not be able to extend his MVP reign due to the league’s new rules on the minimum number of games required to be eligible for awards.

Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Giannis Antetokounmpo take the lead as MVP candidates.

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Jokic, in particular, has a strong chance of winning his third MVP award in four seasons with the defending champion Denver Nuggets. Close behind comes Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City’s emerging star, and never underestimate the “Greek Freak.”

However, this might be the year of the dark horse, as someone other than Embiid, Jokic, or Antetokounmpo bids to win the NBA MVP award for the first time since 2017-18.

Jokic’s odds have improved to minus-150, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Gilgeous-Alexander is at +230, while Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP winner, is at +650.

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A few long shots are worth watching, one of which is by Jalen Brunson. Even without Julius Randle, the New York Knicks remain in contention for the MVP award, and his profile is rising. Remember Kawhi Leonard, who sparked the Los Angeles Clippers’ comeback?

Or Luka Doncic, Dallas’ standout guard, who scored the most points of the season on January 26 (Embiid had 70 four days prior). Or Jayson Tatum, Boston’s all-around forward. Or even Anthony Edwards, who has led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a tie for first place in the Western Conference with the Thunder and has a plus-50,000 chance of winning MVP.

Due to Embiid’s misfortune, there is now greater justification for criticism of this season’s game-minimum criteria, which were implemented to discourage “load management,” or resting fit players, in addition to the MVP competition. In most situations, players must play 65 regular-season games under the parameters of the current collective bargaining agreement in order to be eligible for MVP or All-NBA honors.

It is a slippery slope.

Embiid injured his left knee last week in a loss to the Golden State Warriors. However, he had previously been hampered by knee ailments this season, which cost him significant playing time. He missed the game in Denver and another in Portland before suffering an injury that necessitated surgery.

“Health is something that we just cannot take for granted,” said Monica McNutt, an ESPN NBA, WNBA, and college basketball commentator. “I was even to the point of thinking, ‘OK, well, if (Embiid) misses MVP, he’s already accomplished that.'” You simply want him healthy in the postseason. I mean, our league is at its finest when the stars are available and performing brilliantly on the greatest platforms.”

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Jokic has been doing this for quite some time, and he is soaring again this season, averaging 26.3 points, 12.2 rebounds, and nine assists. These are statistics that are consistent with his MVP seasons in 2020-21 and ’21-22.

“He’s the best passer I have ever seen in any position,” said Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, who won a championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2004. “He’s very unusual. There’s simply nothing like it. He brings the ball up the court and does it all. He puts you in a lot of challenging defensive situations.”

Michael Malone, Jokic’s coach, has no objection, as his talented center has 15 triple-doubles this season. Jokic was also the NBA Finals MVP last season, helping the Nuggets win their first championship.

“Just his ability to be great for himself, but more importantly, his ability to make everyone around him better,” Malone went on to say. “That really is the definition of brilliance.

“I am sure we have been spoiled.” Some of us may find ourselves taking things for granted. But just remember that there aren’t many men like Nikola Jokic that walk through those doors, so take advantage of every opportunity to see him play.”

Gilgeous-Alexander is also playing excellent basketball in Oklahoma City. The sixth-year player continues to improve, leading the league in total points, steals, and free throws this season.

Antetokounmpo is a perennial MVP candidate. He’s thrived in a new system, averaging 34.3 points in four games since Doc Rivers took over as coach.

One thing is certain: this tight MVP race is going to end in an interesting fashion.