In an NBA matchup that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Golden State Warriors clinched a thrilling 12-point victory against the Philadelphia 76ers in San Francisco last night. However, the spotlight isn’t solely on the outcome of the game but on a player who had to leave early – Joel Embiid.

Joel Embiid, who had been listed with a points prop of 37.5 for the game, left fans and analysts alike speculating about the significance of him clutching his left knee. This incident raises concerns for the 76ers, as Joel Embiid has already missed 11 games this season due to various injuries. It’s now uncertain if he’ll be sidelined for an extended period. Embiid’s odds to win NBA MVP are currently off the board.

Embiid’s injury may knock him out of the MVP race. Still, it could potentially be a blessing in disguise for the 76ers. MVP-caliber players aspire to achieve historical feats, like winning back-to-back MVP awards. However, this commitment to individual accolades can sometimes overshadow the team’s playoff run.

While Embiid must be medically cleared to return, there’s also value in a player taking the time to ensure they’re fully healthy, especially if they’re no longer in the MVP race. Embiid’s determination was evident in the game, but he appeared to be playing through discomfort.

In the grand scheme of things, winning the MVP in the regular season doesn’t guarantee an NBA championship. Last year, the 76ers had an MVP-caliber player but still made a quick exit in the playoffs. The key is having a healthy star player when the playoffs roll around.

As Joel Embiid’s injury situation unfolds, the Philadelphia 76ers will undoubtedly be monitoring it closely, balancing their immediate performance with the long-term health of their franchise player. Meanwhile, the NBA MVP race may see a significant shift, but the true test for any team lies in their postseason success.