The 2020-21 NBA season has provided high-energy play and emerging young talent for its fans. As the first half of the season comes to a close, many teams and players have put themselves in position to make some noise for 2021, which only leaves optimism for what is in store after the All-Star break.

There wasn’t any assurance as to how this season would go about. As the world is still in the middle of a pandemic, the NBA’s initial goal was to make sure that its players and coaching staff were under safe protocols.

As the NBA is slowly crawling back to full capacity in arenas, there have been some slight bumps in the road at the beginning of the season. Safety protocols were on the line for many teams as they spent a few weeks without many key players. Earlier in the season, the Philadelphia 76ers were forced to play with only seven players in a matchup against the Denver Nuggets. It is difficult to keep players isolated during a pandemic. But Adam Silver has stuck with his plan to keep the NBA season rolling despite the abnormal circumstances.

Let’s deep dive into three of the biggest surprises of the 2021 NBA season.

 

Joel Embiid frontrunner for MVP

Joel Embiid Sixers All-Star Starter

Embiid has played with a chip on his shoulder throughout the season. The transition to his better play has resulted from seemingly better stamina and quality shot selection throughout the year. As the Sixers came off of a horrible first-round sweep a season ago, head coach Doc Rivers has brought new life to the team. The Sixers currently have the best record in the Eastern Conference as they stand at 24-12.

Embiid is the current frontrunner for the MVP Award. He is currently averaging 30.2 points along with 11.6 rebounds. Embiid has continued to create his own shot on the block with his phenomenal footwork and attention to detail. As Embiid continues to compete with Nikola Jokic as the best center in the NBA, he currently holds the edge as his numbers and team record are ahead of Jokic’s.

Embiid will need to continue his push for the MVP after the all-star break. As the playoffs approach, other stars across the association will elevate their play, which will eventually delight the fans and coaches to change their opinion. As long as Embiid continues to put up spectacular numbers, the Sixers will remain the top seed in the East.

 

Utah Jazz’s terrific start

Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell, Jazz

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The Utah Jazz are probably the biggest surprise due to their magnificent start to this NBA season. They have competed on both ends of the floor tremendously and are playing together to finish our games. The Jazz currently stand at 27-9 on the season. The part that stands out the most on their record is the team’s 15-2 record defending their home court.

Donovan Mitchell has been the key piece for Utah that continues to ascend each year. Also, there have been key role players for the Jazz that have stepped up tremendously. Jordan Clarkson is a front runner for the sixth man of the year as he averages 18 points per game. Also, other players in Mike Conley, Rudy Gobert, Joe Ingles, and more.

The Jazz have continued their consistent play despite the difficult competition in the Western Conference. As the Lakers have struggled and the Clippers are not excelling enough, the Jazz have remained in the number one spot and continue to pace for home-court advantage. Despite just a moderate level of star power between Gobert and Mitchell, the Jazz have tremendously approached this season with something to prove.

 

Boston Celtics’ struggles

Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Celtics

After reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in three of the past four seasons, the Celtics have certainly found themselves in a hole. The Celtics currently stand at 19-17 on the season. Although they are the number 4 seed in the East, the team understands that they aren't playing up to their potential.

Boston has been riddled with injuries and safety protocols throughout the NBA season. The team’s star point guard Kemba Walker missed the first portion of the season rehabbing a knee injury. Also, Jayson Tatum was forced to miss a few weeks after testing positive for COVID. Because of key stars missing time, the Celtics were forced to use several rotations and build new chemistry. It’s been a difficult time trying to keep everyone on the team engaged with turning the season around.

It will be a challenge for the Celtics to go on a huge run at the start of the second half. Their schedule will continue to be difficult as time passes by. But it will be up to how the team responds to adversity that will determine their place as a playoff contender moving forward.