The 2021/22 NBA season resumes tonight and we’re set to see many storylines unfold. The MVP race is hotter than ever; the DPOY award is also up for grabs, just like the MIP prize. Many races will be settled in the next month, and we can’t wait to see what our favorite stars will do.
One of the most overlooked races this season involves the scoring title, where many candidates have taken the lead, and nobody knows who will win this honor at the end of the regular season.
At this point, Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers leads the list, but his top spot isn’t safe. Just like the MVP race, many players can win this award and Embiid is well aware of that. Basketball Forever recently shared a graphic, showing how close this race is, with three more players having a big chance to overtake Embiid.
From the 1st to the 4th position of the list, there are only 0.5 points of difference. Embiid currently averages 29.6 PPG, with Giannis Antetokounmpo following him with 29.4 PPG. Kevin Durant ranks 3rd with 29.3 PPG, while LeBron James closes out the top 4 with 29.1 PPG.
This must be one of the closest scoring title races of all time. Things are getting pretty intense in the association, more so now that teams will try to secure their spots in the playoffs. Embiid is trying to lead the Sixers to the top of the East, just like Giannis with the Bucks, and Durant with the Nets (although he’s sidelined). LeBron will put a big effort to try to take the Lakers out of the play-in tournament, but that’s a difficult job for him.
Our Kyle Daubs predicts that Embiid will win the MVP, but he won’t be able to get the scoring title. That honor will belong to LeBron James, who would win his second scoring title at 37 years old.
