The Philadelphia 76ers dismantled the Charlotte Hornets as they look to become the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Joel Embiid is in a similar race for the MVP award. Sixers head coach Doc Rivers looked to kill two birds with one stone against the Hornets.

Philadelphia won 144-114 against Charlotte. After the game, Rivers told reporters that he believes Embiid should be the MVP and that he suggested Embiid score 50 points to boost his MVP case. Embiid said that he wasn't interested in the plan. He settled for a game-high 29 points to go along with 14 rebounds and six assists.

Embiid is in a tight race for the NBA's scoring title with LeBron James and Giannis Antekounmpo. As they each hover at the 30-points-per-game mark, any big outburst can turn the tides. Since the Hornets lack an elite center, Rivers tried to convince Embiid to go off on them and help the Sixers win. Embiid didn't need the challenge to dominate them.

Philadelphia has what it takes to win the title, though Rivers may be a detriment. Not every player is on board with Rivers and the team has shown brutal stretches of inconsistency under him. The Sixers' recent loss to the Detroit Pistons shows this and it is a habit that will haunt them in the playoffs.

Still, the Sixers have Embiid, one of the very best players in the league and a matchup nightmare for any team. Pairing him with James Harden has been a recipe for success so far, though the playoffs are a different beast.