With the 2021/22 NBA season winding down, the MVP race has essentially come down to Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid and Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic. After an eventful night for the two where the Joker had a triple-double and Embiid went for 43 points and 14 rebounds, the Sixers center had nothing but praise for his rival.

Via Kyle Neubeck:

There is a legitimate argument for who should win the prestigious award. Embiid and Jokic have been balling out all year long, with the latter strictly keeping the Nuggets afloat as they continue to be without Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. Embiid on the other hand, has done a lot of the same with the Sixers and now that he has a legitimate running mate in James Harden, the game is so much easier.

While Embiid is averaging almost four points more per night at 29.7, which is the most in the Association, The Joker impacts the game at such a high level from a playmaking standpoint. He's averaging 8.1 dimes, which is frankly unheard of for a big man.

No matter who wins it, there is certainly respect between the two superstar bigs. That's what you love to see. Although Joel would love to win his first MVP, he's certainly more worried about helping the Sixers win a title this season. After all, that's exactly why they traded for Harden. It's sure paying off early on.