NBA stat leaders 2022-23: Joel Embiid and Tyrese Haliburton top major categories | December 17th, 2022 

With the NBA season in full swing, we've seen this season take quite a few unexpected turns. From the revival of the LA Lakers to the complete and total collapse of the Chicago Bulls, this season has given fans the highest of highs and lowest of lows. As a result, the NBA stat leaders have been someone surprising since our last update.

Currently, the Boston Celtics are sitting atop the Eastern Conference and the Memphis Grizzlies are sitting atop the Western Conference. With the Christmas Day games rapidly approaching, we're taking a look at early-season leaders for the top 5 major categories.

NBA Scoring Leader: Joel Embiid (33.3 ppg)

Sacramento Kings v Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid has been on an absolute tear as of late. The dominant center has missed seven games this season, but that hasn't stopped him from putting up MVP-caliber numbers. Currently, Embiid is averaging a career-high 33.3 points per game to go along with 9.9 rebounds per game and a career-high 4.7 assists per game.

Add onto that a career-high 1.2 steals per game, and a near career-high 1.6 blocks per game, and Embiid is certainly in the running for the MVP. Despite missing eight games this season, Embiid has been on a tear when healthy.

Below you can see some highlights from a recent 34-point appearance against the Warriors.

NBA Assist Leader: Tyrese Haliburton (10.7 apg)

Indiana Pacers v Chicago Bulls

Tyrese Haliburton has had an outstanding season thus far. Haliburton has had more opportunities to show what he's capable of since joining the Indian Pacers, and he's delivering. With the Pacers currently in eighth place in the East, Haliburton has put up career-high numbers.

Haliburton currently leads the league in assists per game with 10.7, but his contributions don't stop there. He's also averaging a career-high 19.7 points per game and 1.8 steals per game, both of which are career highs. Haliburton, who is only 22 years old, is quickly establishing himself as one of the league's best young guards.

NBA Rebounding Leader: Rudy Gobert (12.2 rpg)

Oklahoma City Thunder v Minnesota Timberwolves

This season has been a rough one for the Minnesota Timberwolves. After last year saw the team make the playoffs after a big play-in tournament win, the front office went to work making big moves in the offseason. Although they managed to pick up Rudy Gobert, they've struggled to make things click consistently.

Despite that, Gobert is currently leading the league in rebounds per game, sitting just .1 ahead of Anthony Davis in second place. For Gobert, this season has been somewhat underwhelming. His 12.2 rebounds per game and 14.1 points per game are the lowest he's averaged since the 2017-18 season.

NBA steals Leader: OG Anunoby (2.4 spg)

Philadelphia 76ers v Toronto Raptors - Game Six

OG Anunoby has continued to elevate his level of play this season. After last season, where he averaged career-highs across the board, Anunoby has been continuing to tear it up this season. With the Raptors currently in 10th place in the East, he's leading the league with a whopping 2.4 steals per game.

Unfortunately, he has also been dealing with a hip injury that has seen him sidelined this past week. According to injury reports, he will be reevaluated next week.

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NBA Blocks Leader: Brook Lopez (2.8 bpg)

Milwaukee Bucks v Atlanta Hawks

Brook Lopez has proven himself time and time again in recent years. From developing a lethal three-point shot to helping lead the Bucks to an NBA championship, the seven-foot big man can do it all. Currently, with the Milwaukee franchise eager to cement their place atop the league once more, he's leading the league with 2.8 blocks per game.

It's the most blocks he's averaged throughout his career, and far more than the 1.2 blocks per game he averaged during the team's championship run two years ago. Although Nick Claxton is in second place, Lopez is a whole .5 blocks per game ahead of him.

Below you can see some highlights from Lopez' recent 29-point three-block game against the Cavaliers.

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