The good news for Philadelphia 76ers fans on Friday is that Joel Embiid was able to make his return from his orbital fracture in Game 3 against the Miami Heat. The bad news is that the rumored buzz that he was going to be named MVP on said return looks unlikely to say the least.

Reports and subtle hints spread across social media that the Sixers star was going to be awarded the MVP trophy over frontrunner Nikola Jokic as he made his triumphant return.

We’re up to a handful of reports that Embiid will be named MVP tonight. Nikola Jokic had a massive lead with the votes reporters made public (assuming nobody lied). I’ll be shocked if he gets it but there have been rumblings all day.

While some might have just been names latching on to said unconfirmed reports, there was at least some excitement that it was going to happen during Sixers-Heat Game 3.

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However, there was no coronation in Philadelphia on Friday night. The Sixers did win to keep their season alive by avoiding a 0-3 hole, which is likely the more important facet for Joel Embiid.

One piece of clear evidence against it happening was the fact that the game was broadcasted on ESPN. The MVP award is set to be announced on TNT.

Sixers fans will take the Game 3 win, though.