Embiid Returns with a Bang, Prioritizes Health Over MVP Repeat

76ers' star ties Abdul-Jabbar's record, prepares for high-profile showdown with Jokić.

Joel Embiid returned from a three-game absence due to left knee swelling, scoring 41 points and 10 rebounds in 31 minutes to propel the 76ers to a 124-115 victory over the Houston Rockets.
Embiid's performance extended his streak of games with at least 30 points and 10 rebounds to 16, tying Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the second-longest streak of its kind in NBA history.
Despite his impressive performance, Embiid emphasized his focus on the team's success over personal accolades, stating he is prioritizing health for the playoffs even if it disqualifies him to repeat as MVP.
Embiid has missed 10 of the Sixers’ 38 games with various injuries and illnesses, putting him on pace to fall short of the new NBA rule that requires players to log at least 20 minutes in 65 games to qualify for end-of-season accolades.
Embiid is set to face off against Nikola Jokić, who has won the last two MVPs before Embiid, in a high-profile matchup between the Sixers and the defending champion Denver Nuggets.