NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Power Rankings featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo, Steph Curry and more | January 31st, 2022

#3 Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers

Previous week's NBA MVP Power Ranking - 4th (↑1)

Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 3; Games lost - 0

Overall: Games played - 49; Games won - 30; Games lost - 19

Last Week: PPG - 34.7, APG - 5.7, RPG - 11.7

Overall: PPG - 29.1, APG - 4.4, RPG - 10.8

Last Week: BPG - 2.3, FG% - 50.0%

Overall: BPG - 1.4, FG% - 49.9%

Joel Embiid has forced his way into the NBA MVP race after a series of spectacular performances.

Many analysts, such as Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, have called him the best player in the NBA right now. He is averaging nearly 35 points per game this month, and has carried the undermanned Philadelphia 76ers to third seed in the East.

Despite the absence of his fellow All-Star point guard Ben Simmons and injuries in the lineup, the Sixers have climbed up the standings, thanks to the Cameroonian.

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#2 Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors

Previous week's NBA MVP Power Ranking - 2nd (-).

Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 3; Games lost - 0

Overall: Games played - 50; Games won - 37; Games lost - 13.

Last Week: PPG - 22.0, APG - 7.0, RPG - 8.0

Overall: PPG - 25.7, APG - 6.3, RPG - 5.5

Last Week: 3P% - 36.7%, SPG - 2.3, FT% - 91.7%

Overall: 3P% - 37.6%, SPG - 1.5, FT% - 91.3%

Stephen Curry's shooting slump has been frustrating for Golden State Warriors fans. He is averaging a career-low from the three-point range, but whenever his shots don't fall, he starts to do other things to help his team win.

He averaged eight rebounds, seven assists and 2.3 steals per game last week, and the Warriors won every game. Curry also had a monster step-back game-winning buzzer-beater against the Rockets last week, which boosted his NBA MVP award chances.

Despite his low numbers, he is leading most sportsbooks in award odds, as the Dubs hold the second-best record in the NBA at 37-13.

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#1 Giannis Antetokounmpo

New York Knicks vs Milwaukee Bucks

Previous week's NBA MVP Power Ranking - 1st (-)

Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 1; Games lost - 2

Overall: Games played - 52; Games won - 31; Games lost - 21

Last Week: PPG - 31.0, APG - 3.3, RPG - 10.3

Overall: PPG - 28.8, APG - 5.8, RPG - 11.2

Last Week: FG% - 54.9%, SPG - 1.5, FT% - 76.7%

Overall: FG% - 53.2%, SPG - 1.0, FT% - 71.9%

Giannis Antetokounmpo had an average few games last week. The Milwaukee Bucks lost two of their last three matches, and the one they won was because of the Greek Freak's dominant performance.

He dropped 38 points on 12-19 shooting along with 13 boards to fuel the victory against the Knicks. Antetokounmpo is averaging over 70% from the free-throw line this season, and is more confident in shooting threes.

The Milwaukee Bucks are fifth in the East with a 31-21 record, and need to win more games to solidify his NBA MVP case.